With the ToughBook 56, Panasonic introduces a new rugged laptop suitable for those working in challenging locations. Three RJ-45 ports make the device relevant for the telecom and automotive sectors.
Panasonic unveils the ToughBook 56. The fully rugged 14-inch laptop succeeds the 2019 ToughBook 55 and brings several external improvements alongside an upgrade under the hood.
On the inside, Panasonic opts for more current hardware. The ToughBook 56 is available with Intel Core Ultra 5 235H and Core Ultra 7 265H. While the chips from the Core Ultra Series 2 stable are not the very latest models in the Intel range, the processors are nonetheless very capable and efficient.
The Panasonic ToughBook 56 comes with 16 GB RAM in the standard configuration, expandable up to 64 GB. Minimum storage is 512 GB, with a 2 TB SSD as the maximum option.
Panasonic provides two possible displays: you can either choose a 14-inch TFT panel with 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and a modest maximum brightness of 350 cd/m². Based on those specs, that doesn’t seem like the most attractive option to us. You can also opt for a TFT capacitive touchscreen with the same resolution and a maximum brightness of 1,000 cd/m². This allows you to take on the sun, guaranteeing readability outdoors in the summer.
Three network connections
Panasonic goes all out with the connectivity. The Panasonic ToughBook 56 comes with up to three RJ-45 ports of 1, 2.5, and 10 Gbit. The 1 Gbit port is configured as standard; for the other connections, you must use the expansion slots.
Panasonic points to the possibilities of the extra connections in various sectors. For example, the 10-gigabit module is relevant for fast data transfer. The multitude of connections also helps in the telecom sector, where an installer can test or adjust multiple connections simultaneously. In the automotive sector, it is possible to perform diagnostic analyses via different network channels. In any case, users can select which network interface they work through per application.
Wireless connection is also possible, of course. Thanks to the Intel chip, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 7. Bluetooth (5.4) and 4G and 5G connectivity are also among the options.
Expansion options
As usual, Panasonic provides an extensive menu of expansion options alongside the RJ-45 connections. VGA and serial ports are available, as are extra USB-A and C ports. Thunderbolt 4/USB-C is also present twice as standard, alongside one USB-A port and an HDMI connection.
According to Panasonic, the laptop’s battery should last twelve hours. You can hot-swap batteries and extend the laptop’s battery life up to 24 hours. The device is IP53-certified and can take a beating according to MIL-STD-810H standards.
Availability
The Panasonic ToughBook 56 will be available from May this year. Panasonic is not sharing a price at this time. ToughBooks are less commonly sold as standalone items and are highly configurable, which is why suggested retail prices were rarely shared broadly for the series. With the volatility of DRAM and SSD prices, that situation hasn’t improved.