Panasonic Toughbook 33 FAQ

Panasonic Toughbook 33 FAQ

Read the most frequently asked questions in our Panasonic Toughbook CF 33 FAQ. If you have further questions feel free to address our ChatBot or contact sales. 

What is the Toughbook 33?

The Toughbook 33 is a fully rugged 12-inch 2-in-1 PC, designed to meet demanding work environments and provide versatility for users needing both laptop and tablet functionality.

What distinguishes 2-in-1s, convertibles, 360s, detachables, laptops, and tablets?

• 2-in-1s: These include convertibles, 360s, and detachables, offering a combination of laptop and tablet features.
• Convertibles: These have displays that swivel left and right to switch from laptop to tablet mode, with the keyboard always attached.
• 360s: These devices have displays that fold backward to transition between laptop and tablet modes, with attached keyboards.
• Detachables: These laptops have removable keyboards, allowing users the option of carrying just the tablet for lightweight portability.
• Laptops: These open only in clamshell mode, with fixed keyboards.
• Tablets: These do not include physical keyboards, relying on software keyboards or optional keyboard accessories that are not integrated.

Does the Toughbook 33 replace an existing Toughbook product?

No, the Toughbook 33 is a new addition to the Toughbook lineup and will be sold alongside the Toughbook 31 and Toughbook 20.

Why was the Toughbook 33 developed?

Panasonic created the Toughbook 33 in response to customer feedback expressing a desire for a larger screen tablet like the Toughbook 20, while also maintaining compatibility with existing vehicle docks. This new product meets the needs of professionals working in tough environments.

What is a 3:2 aspect ratio, and why was it chosen for the Toughbook 33?

The 3:2 aspect ratio is the ratio of a screen’s width to its height. The Toughbook 33 is the first fully rugged device to feature this display ratio. Panasonic selected this aspect ratio to make the tablet easier to handle and improve the viewing experience for business applications, such as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) for law enforcement. Additional benefits of a 3:2 aspect ratio over widescreen include reduced vertical scrolling, a resemblance to the size of an 8.5 x 11 paper, and minimized interference with airbag zones for enhanced safety.

What operating systems and processors are available?

The Toughbook 33 is equipped with 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 processors and runs Windows 10 Pro for high performance. To support customers transitioning to Windows 10, the Toughbook 33 is also offered with a Windows 7 Professional downgrade option, powered by 6th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, ensuring compatibility with existing deployments.

What are the differences between the Toughbook 33 with 7th Gen and 6th Gen processors?

• 6th Gen Intel processors: These models include TPM 1.2 by default (with support for TPM 2.0), a webcam, and a rear camera that functions only with Windows 10.
• 7th Gen Intel processors: These models feature TPM 2.0, an infrared webcam that supports Microsoft Hello, and a rear camera compatible with Windows 10 Pro and Windows 7 Professional downgrade.

Are Intel i7 processors available?

Yes, Intel i7 processors are available by special order. Please contact  us for more information.

What is Microsoft Hello?

Microsoft Hello, in combination with the Toughbook 33’s infrared webcam, enables 3D facial recognition, iris scanning, or fingerprint scanning (if equipped with a fingerprint reader) for secure user authentication.

How many users can set up their faces with Microsoft Hello?

There is no theoretical maximum, but up to 99 users have been tested. Each user needs to set up their own account, allowing multiple users to have individual accounts.

Is LTE-Advanced different from LTE?

Yes, LTE-Advanced uses carrier aggregation to combine multiple wireless frequencies, providing faster speeds. Verizon claims a 50% increase in peak speeds, benefiting users with data-intensive applications the most.

What is the difference between the Lite Keyboard and Premium Keyboard?

• Premium Keyboard: Offers greater functionality, versatility, and ruggedness, with additional features like a handle, adjustable angle, reverse docking into convertible mode, I/O ports, Fn keys, and a Kensington lock. It is compatible with the Toughbook 33 laptop vehicle dock and desktop dock.
• Lite Keyboard: Lighter and more affordable, compatible with the VDA, and includes a tactical red backlight.

Do both keyboards have a backlight? Is it adjustable? Why is it red?

Yes, both keyboards feature a tactical red backlight with four levels of brightness, including off. Red lighting helps preserve night vision and is commonly used in law enforcement, military, and other tactical settings.

Do I need to pair the keyboards with the tablet?

No pairing is necessary. Attach the tablet to either keyboard, and they will be instantly recognized. The physical docking connection ensures reliable communication without the issues associated with Bluetooth® keyboards, such as spotty connections or battery drain.

Is there a lock to prevent the keyboards from detaching accidentally?

Yes, both keyboards have a lever to secure them in place.

Can the tablet and keyboard be permanently locked together?

Yes, both keyboards offer the option to permanently lock the tablet to the keyboard, and the Lite Keyboard can also be locked to the 31 VDA.

Do the tablet and keyboards have Kensington lock slots?

The Premium Keyboard and tablet include Kensington lock slots, while the Lite Keyboard does not. The tablet’s lock slot secures both the tablet and keyboard dock.

Can the keyboards be used when detached from the tablet?

Only the Lite Keyboard can be used independently with a USB Type B to C cable (sold separately). This design allows users to remove the Lite Keyboard from the VDA while the tablet and VDA remain mounted, offering ergonomic typing in the user’s lap and reducing fatigue.

What are the vehicle dock options? What is the 31 VDA?

The Toughbook 33 offers two vehicle dock options for new deployments:

• Tablet vehicle dock
• 2-in-1 vehicle dock: Utilizes the Premium Keyboard and can be mounted in either laptop or convertible mode.

For customers with existing Toughbook 31 vehicle docks, Panasonic provides a 31 Vehicle Dock Adapter (VDA) with a removable Lite Keyboard, protecting prior investments by allowing the use of existing docks.

What are the desktop dock options?

The desktop dock utilizes both the Premium Keyboard and tablet. While there is no standalone desktop cradle for the tablet, the Premium Keyboard serves as a desktop dock solution with a Kensington lock and various I/O ports, including 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 4 USB, 1 SDXC, 1 Ethernet, and 1 serial port.

Do I have to remove my gloves to use the display?

No, you can use the display with gloves. Unlike typical capacitive displays, the Toughbook 33 includes a special setting for glove use.

Can the Toughbook 33 be used in the rain?

Yes, it is IP65 certified, and the display features a rain mode, allowing it to be used in wet conditions.

Are the batteries removable?

Yes, the batteries are user-removable with no training required. Simply open the battery panel to access them.

Is the SSD removable?

Yes, the SSD can be removed, though it is more involved than removing the batteries, as screws must be taken out to access it. Only trained technicians or those with a purchased SSD no-return service SKU through Panasonic should attempt this. Please contact a Panasonic representative for program details.

What is the difference between MobileMark 2014 and 2007?

MobileMark 2014 uses a stricter battery test standard than MobileMark 2007, testing brightness at 150 nits instead of 60 nits, for example. The Toughbook 33 is the first Toughbook product to utilize this new standard, while other Panasonic models currently use MobileMark 2007.

How many batteries come standard with the Toughbook 33?

The Toughbook 33 comes with two standard batteries, either the lightweight twin batteries or the optional long-life batteries that double battery life. Its design allows for hot-swapping of either configuration.

What is a hot-swappable battery?

A hot-swappable battery lets users replace one of the two batteries in the device without needing to shut down or suspend the tablet. The Toughbook 33 includes two identical batteries that fit in either the left or right battery slot.

What battery options are available?

An optional long-life battery configuration is available, doubling the battery life while retaining the hot-swapping capability. These long-life batteries must be integrated at purchase or retrofitted by Panasonic, as they require a different bottom panel. Long-life batteries add 0.4 inches in height and 0.8 pounds and are incompatible with convertible mode or the 33 Tablet Vehicle Dock when using the Panasonic rotating hand strap.

Which integrated options require the tall bottom panel?

Only the long-life battery requires the tall bottom panel. All other options are flush, allowing the tablet to be mounted forward or reverse into the Premium Keyboard.

Does the Toughbook 33 come with a digitizer stylus pen and tether?

Yes, it includes a digitizer stylus pen and tether, along with a stylus pen holder on the tablet.

How does the Toughbook 33 form factor compare to the Toughbook 20?

Both the Toughbook 20 and Toughbook 33 are 2-in-1 laptops, offering versatility between laptop and tablet modes.

How does the Toughbook 33 form factor compare to the Toughbook 31?

The Toughbook 31 is a clamshell laptop, while the Toughbook 33 is a 2-in-1, providing clamshell and tablet functionality. For users who prefer not to separate the tablet, it can be permanently locked to the keyboard using a special locking screw.

What are the overall dimensions and weight of the Toughbook 33?

• Tablet and Premium Keyboard: 12.3″ (L) x 11.4″ (W) x 1.8″ (H), weighing 6.1 pounds
• Tablet and Lite Keyboard: 12.1″ (L) x 9.6″ (W) x 1.5″ (H), weighing 4.8 pounds
• Tablet only: 12.1″ (L) x 9.6″ (W) x 0.9″ (H), weighing 3.4 pounds

Can I purchase the tablet separately?

Yes, the tablet is available for purchase separately.

Do I need to order the keyboards separately?

Keyboards can be ordered separately, but the Toughbook 33 can also be bundled with either the Premium Keyboard or Lite Keyboard. Additionally, the Lite Keyboard can be purchased bundled with the 31 Vehicle Dock Adapter (VDA).

Ulrik Maxen: Specialist in rugged computers and mobile scanners

Ulrik is an industry veteran with over two decades of expertise working with rugged computers and mobile barcode scanners. Brands include Panasonic, DELL, Getac, Zebra, and Honeywell/Intermec. He is known for his commitment to delivering products and solutions that increase operational efficiency. Dedicated to following new market trends and client satisfaction, Ulrik is a trusted advisor where rugged computers and mobile barcode scanners must be deployed.