Panasonic’s latest modular laptop is its most rugged and secure
Panasonic focused on durability and security on its new Toughbook 56 modular laptop, which features several performance benchmarks and security standards.
Panasonic’s latest rugged and modular laptop, the Toughbook 56, is available on Thursday for frontline workers and field professionals. The brand has deemed the device its most modular rugged laptop to date, building off the legacy of the prior Toughbook 55 and Toughbook 54, which already provide workers with the unique computing capabilities they need in unpredictable and resource-limited environments.
The Toughbook 56 is upgraded with improved performance, greater connectivity options, enhanced thermal management, and the latest security standards. Additionally, the laptop is backed by an extensive warranty program, ToughCare, which covers predictable service costs, device protection, and field engineering support.
Hardware specifications for the Toughbook 56 include the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, which is specified for AI-enabled tasks, paired with an optional 8GB AMD Radeon Pro GPU or Intel Arc graphics options. It supports 16 to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 512 to 2TB OPAL or FIPS-encrypted SSDs. The laptop’s modular design includes room for three custom xPAKs, a battery, RAM, and SSD options. It supports a 24-hour battery life with an optional second battery. The display is a 14-inch 16:10 display with an optional 1000 nit touchscreen and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It also features a 5-megapixel web camera.
Panasonic has also added several features to the Toughbook 56 based on customer feedback, including louder 98dB speakers, a keyboard backlight timeout, and a slide cover for the power port, among others.
The Toughbook 56 was engineered with advanced thermodynamics and heat dispersion, as part of its ruggedness. It is certified by several durability benchmarks, including 3-foot Drop, MIL-STD-810H, IP53, and Airworthiness (FAA standard). Having handled models of the ToughBook 56 on the Flight Deck of the Intrepid Museum in the afternoon sun, with no apparent overheating or visible changes in performance. At 4.66lbs and with a built-in handle, the Toughbook 56 is relatively light and easy to carry around (not so much to balance flat on your hand, but that might depend on the person).
The laptop is 45 and 5G-ready and comes with several other connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and up to three Ethernet port configurations (1 Gbps standard, with 2.5 and 10 Gbps optional), and dual SIM (physical and eSIM). The laptop can also connect to multiple major carriers and dedicated responder networks, including AT&T, FirstNet, Verizon, Verizon Frontline, and T-Mobile.
The Toughbook 56 has an elaborate security system that tackles several layers of protection, from hardware, firmware, operating system, and endpoint. Toughbook Guard protects the supply chain by detecting threats before a device is purchased or booted. Toughbook Total Defense provides end-to-end security at every device level. SentinelOne provides AI-powered endpoint protection for stopping ransomware. Absolute Security gives IT visibility and control across all layers of the device. Several layers of encryption standards are built into the device hardware and firmware, including Toughbook Guard, FIPS 140-2, and TCG OPAL.
The Toughbook 56 is also backward compatible with Toughbook 55 and Toughbook 54 vehicle docks. This supports over 10 years of compatibility for customers opting to maintain their current docking while updating to new Toughbook 56 models.
The Toughbook 56 will be available in May, starting at $3,325.