Panasonic Toughbook 55 FAQ

The TOUGHBOOK 55 is a semi-rugged 14-inch laptop designed to withstand challenging environments while delivering exceptional performance.

No, the TOUGHBOOK 55 is a traditional clamshell laptop with a non-detachable screen. For a 2-in-1 detachable option, consider the TOUGHBOOK 33 (12-inch fully rugged PC) or the TOUGHBOOK 20 (10.1-inch fully rugged PC).

Panasonic developed the TOUGHBOOK 55 in response to customer feedback. By understanding customers’ workflows and requirements, Panasonic created a device that addresses challenges such as the need for longer battery life, lightweight design, enhanced performance, and future-proofing. The TOUGHBOOK 55 aims to meet the evolving needs of professionals in demanding environments.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 allows users to upgrade the memory (RAM), storage (SSD), and even the keyboard. The storage drive features a quick-release latch for easy removal. Additionally, there are three expansion areas for customization, accommodating options such as dedicated graphics, optical drives, authentication readers, additional I/O, extra batteries, and a second storage drive. This customization helps companies future-proof their devices, simplify ordering, shorten lead times, and minimize downtime.

Expansion areas refer to the three modular sections of the TOUGHBOOK 55 that can be customized. Expansion packs, or xPAKs, are the accessories designed to fit into these areas.

Yes, xPAKs can be purchased as accessories either at the time of purchase or afterward, and they are user-upgradeable.

xPAKs are designed for easy insertion and removal, with most featuring a quick-release lever. The xPAKs for the Rear Expansion Area and the AMD Dedicated Graphics require only a screwdriver and a few screws for installation, making them user-friendly and upgradeable.

Yes, the xPAKs and the main SSD can be locked using screws if desired by IT departments. Panasonic offers a SKU (FZ-VSW551U) containing nine interchangeable screws (in silver and black) to lock down expansion areas and replace screws in the keyboard, AMD Dedicated Graphic xPAK, and Rear xPAKs.

This SKU includes nine interchangeable screws (a mix of silver and black) for securing expansion areas and replacing screws in the keyboard, AMD Dedicated Graphic xPAK, and Rear xPAKs.

Yes, the SSD is end-user removable with a quick-release lever for easy detachment. For added security, IT departments can purchase an optional locking screw to secure the battery. A set of nine screws is included in SKU # FZ-VSW551U.

Yes, the batteries are end-user removable and feature a quick-release lever for easy detachment.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 offers up to 20 hours of battery life, extendable to 40 hours with an optional second battery. Battery life is tested using the industry-standard MobileMark 2014, which models productivity usage such as word processing, spreadsheet work, email management, and web browsing with Wi-Fi connectivity. The test uses a screen brightness of 150 nits without cellular connectivity.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 comes with one standard battery on the left side, offering up to 20 hours of battery life (MobileMark 2014). An optional second battery on the right side doubles the battery life to 40 hours. The second battery enables hot-swapping, and both batteries are identical with the same SKU.

A hot-swappable battery allows users to replace one of the two batteries (the second battery is optional) without shutting down or suspending the laptop. Both batteries are identical and can be used in either the left or right slot.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 is the thinnest and lightest in its class, featuring the latest technology and performance enhancements:

• Latest Intel® 8th Gen quad-core i5 and i7 vPro™ processors
• Optional 1000 nit touchscreen for easy readability in direct sunlight
• Optional AMD dedicated graphics
• Up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage
• RAID-1 mirroring for data redundancy (with an optional second storage drive)
• Tetra-array microphones for superior speech recognition accuracy
• Infrared webcam with facial recognition support via Windows Hello and a privacy cover
• Enhanced speakers, faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®, improved keyboard, and HDMI 2.0 port supporting HDR and 60 FPS on a 4K monitor

Intel’s 8th Gen processors include Kaby Lake Refresh and Whiskey Lake. Whiskey Lake processors offer improved performance and are newer than Kaby Lake Refresh. Kaby Lake Refresh processors end in “0,” while Whiskey Lake processors end in “5.”

Intel vPro™ technology is essential for businesses, enabling remote IT management and adding security features, including Intel® Hardware Shield.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 includes state-of-the-art security features:

• TPM 2.0
• NIST BIOS
• Intel vPro™ with Intel Hardware Shield
• Absolute Persistence® technology embedded in the BIOS
• Support for up to 256-bit AES Wi-Fi encryption
• Optional OPAL encrypted drives
• Optional insertable, contactless SmartCard CAC and fingerprint readers for 2FA
• Infrared webcam with Windows Hello for facial recognition
• Dual storage drive support with RAID-1 mirroring for data redundancy
• Improved heat dissipation and cooling
• TOUGHBOOK Smart Battery Technology for extended battery life and enhanced safety

RAID-1 mirroring allows data to be automatically saved to two storage drives simultaneously, providing a convenient backup solution. The TOUGHBOOK 55 supports RAID-1 mirroring with an optional second storage drive and a special BIOS.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 features four microphones for improved speech recognition accuracy, offering up to 3x the accuracy in noisy environments compared to the TOUGHBOOK 54.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 features four microphones for improved speech recognition accuracy, offering up to 3x the accuracy in noisy environments compared to the TOUGHBOOK 54.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 features four microphones for improved speech recognition accuracy, offering up to 3x the accuracy in noisy environments compared to the TOUGHBOOK 54.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 is the first TOUGHBOOK with a color-selectable backlit keyboard, offering:

• Three times brighter backlighting
• Larger backspace, return, right shift, and space bar keys
• New airplane mode and disable touchpad Fn keys
• Doubled number of user-definable keys
• Backlit keyboard icons for better night visibility
• A seamless touchpad that is 25% larger

The TOUGHBOOK 55 features a color-selectable backlit keyboard, allowing users to choose from two preset colors or define custom colors.

• Day/Night Mode: A Panasonic application that applies one of 12 screen effects (such as color inversion, grayscale, or blue light reduction) to reduce night blindness, eye strain, and neural stimulation. It can be triggered manually or automatically based on time of day or ambient light levels.
• Concealed Mode: Another Panasonic application that can dim or turn off the display, disable keyboard LEDs, and mute volume with a key combination for discretion.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 features 92dB speakers for clear audio even in loud environments. This is critical for rugged users who work in noisy conditions, such as on busy highways or inside police vehicles with sirens.

While the TOUGHBOOK 55 is IP53 certified for extra water protection compared to IP51 or IP52 models, Panasonic recommends using fully rugged models for maximum rain protection.

The TOUGHBOOK 55 has a flat bottom on all configurations, unlike the TOUGHBOOK 54, which required a bump out for certain setups.

Yes, the touchscreen model includes a stylus pen, tether, stylus holder, and microfiber cleaning cloth, based on customer feedback.

Yes, the TOUGHBOOK 55 offers an optional EM7511 modem that is FirstNet Ready and supports Band 14.

Yes, the TOUGHBOOK 55 is fully compatible with TOUGHBOOK 54 desktop docks and vehicle docks from Gamber-Johnson and Havis, allowing you to use existing docks without replacing them.