The Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 is a semi-rugged laptop for professionals who need a tough and reliable device in tough environments. This latest version of the Toughbook 55 series has more performance, more versatility and more durability.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Designed to withstand extreme conditions like high altitudes, sand, and freezing temperatures, ensuring reliability in challenging settings. |
| Offers xPAKs for modular expansion, allowing users to tailor the laptop with additional capabilities as needed. |
| Features a high visibility display for readability in bright sunlight and a night-vision mode for low-light environments, enhancing usability across different conditions. |
| Provides extended battery life with dual batteries, supporting prolonged use in remote or off-grid locations. |
| Includes options like optional 4G LTE and various I/O ports for versatile connectivity in diverse working environments. |
Performance and Specs
The Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 comes with Intel’s 13th gen processors for great performance and efficiency. At the top end you can spec it with a 14-core Intel Core i7-1370P CPU which has a turbo boost of up to 5.2GHz. This level of processing power means the Toughbook 55 Mk3 can handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease, perfect for professionals who need high performance in their work.
In terms of memory and storage the Toughbook 55 Mk3 is highly customizable. You can spec it with up to 64GB of RAM for running multiple apps and large datasets. For storage you can have up to 3TB, plenty of space for loads of data, apps and multimedia files. This combination of lots of memory and lots of storage means a smooth user experience even with resource hungry tasks. Additionally, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 offers a dedicated GPS as part of its modular design, allowing connectivity anywhere in the world.
Display Quality and Features
The Toughbook 55 Mk3 has a 14” IPS screen with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles. The screen is Full HD so the images are sharp and clear perfect for detailed work and media consumption. The screen is also touch so you can navigate and interact directly on the screen.
For added convenience the Toughbook 55 Mk3 comes with a stylus stored in a dedicated compartment so it’s always to hand when you need precision input. Great for tasks that require detailed handwriting or drawing.
One of the best features of the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 is its outdoor readability. The screen is designed to be readable in direct sunlight with high brightness and anti-glare. So you can use the device in bright outdoor environments without any loss of visibility.
Also the FZ-55 Mk3 has a night-vision mode which dims the screen to almost zero brightness. This is great for low light environments, reduces eye strain and won’t disturb others or compromise night vision. So you can use the device in any lighting conditions from bright daylight to complete darkness.
Durability and Design
The Toughbook 55 Mk3 is built to meet the tough standards of the Department of Defense’s MIL-STD-810H testing. This means it’s built to withstand extreme conditions and tested for high altitude operation so it can work in low air pressure environments. This is perfect for professionals who need to use the device in mountainous areas or during air travel.
It’s also designed to withstand blowing sand so it’s great for use in desert environments where sand can be a problem. So the internal components are protected and will keep on working smoothly even in sandy conditions.
In addition to high altitude and sandy environments, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 can withstand freezing and thawing cycles. So it can work in cold conditions without damage from temperature fluctuations, perfect for cold climates or winter months.
The laptop is tested for vibration and shock resistance so it can withstand being transported in vehicles, on machinery or rough handling without compromising performance. This is important for professionals in industries such as construction, logistics and military where the device may be subjected to physical impacts and vibrations.
Plus the Toughbook 55 has a spill resistant keyboard so it can withstand accidental liquid spills. This is important for users who work in environments where spills can happen, such as on job sites, in vehicles or in industrial environments.
(Image from PCmag)
So it’s tough. Period. For professionals who need a device that can work in tough.
Modularity and Expansion (xPAK)
The Panasonic Toughbook 55 MK3 has a range of innovative modular expansion packs called xPAKs that can enhance its capabilities and flexibility. xPAKs allow you to customize your laptop to your needs and adapt to changing requirements. Here are the xPAKs available for the Toughbook 55 MK3:
Authentication Reader xPAK
The Authentication Reader xPAK includes various authentication methods. It features a fingerprint reader as part of the quick-release feature in the front expansion area, along with other options like the contactless SmartCard CAC.
Storage xPAK
This xPAK adds extra storage, perfect for those who need to store lots of data or work with resource hungry applications.
Optical Drive xPAK
For those who still need optical media support, this xPAK adds a DVD or Blu-ray drive to the Toughbook 55 MK3. This is crucial for industries that use legacy software or need to access data from optical discs.
I/O Port xPAK
This xPAK adds extra I/O ports to the laptop, more connectivity options. It can include extra USB-A and USB-C ports, serial ports or other special connectors depending on the model.
Barcode Reader xPAK
This xPAK adds a barcode scanner to the laptop, ideal for inventory management, logistics or retail applications. Users can quickly and accurately scan barcodes without the need for an external device.
Second Battery xPAK
For those who need extra battery life, this xPAK adds an optional second battery to the Toughbook 55 MK3. This can extend the laptop’s runtime by hours, perfect for long shifts or fieldwork in areas without power outlets.
The modular design of the Toughbook 55 MK3 allows you to add or swap xPAKs as needed, giving you ultimate customization and future proofing. This means you can adapt your laptop to changing requirements without having to replace the whole device, potentially saving time and money.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 has long battery life so you can work in areas where power outlets are scarce. With the standard battery and the option to add a second battery you can go for hours without recharging. Perfect for field workers, emergency responders and anyone who needs to work all day without interruptions.
Dual Battery
Dual batteries give the Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 over 23 hours of battery life in typical use. So you can work for hours on end in remote or off-grid areas where recharging is scarce. Hot-swappable batteries means you can swap one battery while the other is still in use, so you can keep working in demanding environments.
High Visibility Display and Connectivity
As well as its long battery life the Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 has a high visibility display for optimal performance in any lighting conditions. With a screen brightness of 909 nits the display is readable in bright sunlight, perfect for outdoor or brightly lit environments.
Comprehensive Connectivity
The Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 has:
- USB: Multiple USB ports for connecting external drives, keyboards and mice for flexible use.
- Ethernet: Wired Ethernet for reliable and secure networking where Wi-Fi is unreliable or not available.
- Optional 4G LTE: For extra mobility and connectivity the optional 4G LTE allows internet access in remote areas or on the move so you can stay connected and access cloud resources.
Additionally, the device features an infrared webcam that works with Windows Hello for facial recognition, enhancing its security measures.
Use Cases
The Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 MK3 is for professionals in:
- Law enforcement and emergency services
- Field technicians and utility workers
- Construction and manufacturing supervisors
- Military personnel
- Outdoor researchers and scientists
It’s tough, fast and customizable so it’s good for any environment where a regular laptop will fail.
Is the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Worth it?
Yes, if you need a semi-rugged laptop with lots of connectivity and input options.
The Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 is perfect for users who need a tough laptop with modern features. 4G LTE connectivity means you can get online anywhere, inking means you can take notes or sketch directly on the screen and modern hardware means it can handle demanding apps and multitasking. A versatile tool for any job.
Yes, if your mission changes and needs Panasonic xPAKs.
One of the best things about the Toughbook 55 Mk3 is its modularity, you can customize and upgrade with Panasonic’s xPAK system. This is perfect for users whose needs change often. Whether you need more storage, extra security, or special ports and peripherals, the xPAK system lets you tailor the laptop to your needs without having to buy a whole new device. This is a cost effective and future proof investment.
Yes, if you work for police, fire, EMT, military, utility or another organization that needs a rugged laptop.
The Toughbook 55 Mk3 is built to withstand tough environments and tough conditions, perfect for professionals in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, military, utilities and other industries that need a rugged and reliable laptop. It meets the MIL-STD-810H military standards for durability, including drop, vibration and extreme temperature testing. The spill resistant keyboard and recessed screen also offer extra protection against accidental damage. The Toughbook is built to withstand the physical demands of these jobs, so it will perform when you need it most.
Sustainability, Availability and Cost
Budget Friendly without Compromise
If you want a high quality rugged laptop but are on a budget Rugged Books has got you covered. We specialize in refurbished Panasonic Toughbook so you get a more affordable option than buying new. Although refurbished these Toughbooks still meet the same standards of durability and performance as new devices so you don’t have to compromise on quality.
Industry Leader
Rugged Books is a top supplier of Panasonic Toughbooks as featured in PCMag and other major publications. We are a trusted source for rugged laptops. By choosing a refurbished Toughbook from Rugged Books you are also making a sustainable choice and helping to reduce electronic waste and the environment.
Availability and Price
The latest model refreshed Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 is available direct from Panasonic and their resellers. This updated model has the latest hardware and features so it meets current standards and user requirements.
The starting price for the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 is $2,776. However this price may vary depending on the quantity and configuration you choose. Bulk or custom configurations may have different pricing to fit your budget and performance needs.
Looking for a custom quote? Contact us today.
