New TOUGHBOOK 56 from Panasonic Connect

The TOUGHBOOK 56, a robust, modular, rugged laptop designed to empower mobility professionals in industries like public safety, utilities, business, and government, was introduced by Panasonic Connect. The TOUGHBOOK 56 offers upgraded security, improved thermal management, increased connectivity speed options and high performance computing. It gives consumers more flexibility and long-term peace of mind, supported by additional warranty choices.

In order to provide quick, high-quality service, frontline and field staff must operate more efficiently while managing unpredictability and resource limitations that make completing the task extremely difficult. With these experts in mind, TOUGHBOOK 56 is designed to deliver cutting-edge performance, security, innovation and design in a sturdy, dependable package. The enhanced admin management software, expanded support, and modular architecture of the TOUGHBOOK 56 make upgrades easier for IT teams and prolong device lifecycles as operational requirements change.

The TOUGHBOOK 56 advances rugged computing with cutting-edge capabilities like these, building on the popularity of the TOUGHBOOK 54 and the industry-first modular TOUGHBOOK 55.

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor designed for AI-enabled tasks, TOUGHBOOK 56 is the first rugged PC with an 8GB dGPU option to further boost graphics and AI performance. Additionally, there is an Intel Arc Graphics option that can increase graphic performance by up to 2.2 times compared to previous generations. The TOUGHBOOK 56 offers class-leading edge computing without sacrificing dependability and durability. It features Wi-Fi 7 (2.4 times faster than previous Wi-Fi 6E), an upgraded 5G modem (36 percent faster upload speed than previous modem), and industry firsts of up to three Ethernet connections (including a 10-gbps Ethernet option) for speedier file uploads and photography. This enables employees to perform data-intensive jobs from their computers, including complex modeling, machine diagnostics, evidence collection and intelligent document processing.

To power AI-based, high-demand computing jobs and fast reaction, TOUGHBOOK 56 is interoperable with all major carriers and dedicated responder networks, including AT&T, FirstNet, Verizon, Verizon Frontline and T-Mobile. This includes Anterix's 4G technologies as well as increased private cellular coverage. It provides high-speed communication during emergencies or catastrophes for effective, quick response, and bridges coverage gaps for improved interoperability and coordination capabilities.

TOUGHBOOK 56's new 16:10 aspect ratio, which supports more rows of data, was developed in response to consumer feedback. The power port has been upgraded with a slide cover for increased longevity, and the speakers are around 50 percent louder and have better sound quality. Additionally, improved software offers software-selectable pass-through for optimum simplicity and flexibility, a timeout for the keyboard backlight to preserve battery life and increased visibility for managing smart cards.

The first rugged device with FIPS secured disks is the TOUGHBOOK 56. Hardware, firmware, operating system, and endpoint layers are all protected by TOUGHBOOK 56, which is compatible with Panasonic Connect's end-to-end security stack, TOUGHBOOK Total Defense. TOUGHBOOK Guard, an embedded firmware security system created especially to identify hardware tampering before to purchase, will be used by TOUGHBOOK 56 to provide supply chain security. Additionally, it is the first device to feature Battery Charging Guard to increase safety and prolong a battery's usable life. Additionally, the Panasonic PC Hub dashboard's settings that end users can view and interact with may be customized, and additional enhanced capabilities for IT managers offer greater insight into important upgrades. When combined, these extra safeguards allow for safe operations in fixed, mobile and vehicle-mounted work environments for deployment that is mission-ready.

The current TOUGHBOOK 54 and TOUGHBOOK 55 vehicle docks are compatible with TOUGHBOOK 56. Customers can choose to update TOUGHBOOK fleets while maintaining current docking, and it offers more than ten years of compatibility. New car docks with a more robust docking connector, additional IO and updated technology will be available for both new and existing clients who want to upgrade their docking.

“Mobile workers and the IT teams that support them need technology that can stand up to the rigors of frontline and field work. We engineered the TOUGHBOOK 56 for high-end computing with AI at the edge and uncompromising security features to deliver efficient work and unwavering customer service,” said Dominick Passanante, senior vice president and general manager, Mobility Business, Panasonic Connect North America. “For three decades, TOUGHBOOK has been the choice for workers in industries that cannot afford to sacrifice performance, security, or durability in any circumstance. They deserve the best in purpose-built hardware, software and services to support technology investments for the long haul.”

Key features TOUGHBOOK 56 include:

• Six modular areas, including 3 xPAKs, battery, RAM and SSD
• Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors powering Intel vPro (up to 16 CPU cores)
• Optional AMD Radeon PRO W7500M (8GB dGPU)
• 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass (optional 1000 nit touchscreen)
• 16-64 GB DDR5 RAM
• 512-2TB OPAL or FIPS encrypted SSD’s (up to 4TB total and optional RAID-1 mirroring)
• 5MP webcam and dual-array microphone with AI noise reduction
• 98dB speakers
• Up to three ethernet ports (1 Gbps standard, with 2.5 and 10 Gbps optional)
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth
• 4G or 5G connectivity options, private cellular ready, and dual SIM (physical + eSIM)
• 24 hours of battery life (MobileMark 30) with optional second battery
• 3-inch Drop, MIL-STD-810H, IP53, Air Worthiness

The TOUGHBOOK 56 will be available for purchase this May, with MSRP starting at $3,325. For more information and complete product details, please visit our website.