Panasonic’s Toughbook rugged laptops are highly acclaimed for their durability and resilience. The Toughbook 55 Mk3, starting at $2,399, continues this legacy as a semi-rugged laptop designed for government, utility, and field workers. While it offers only mild water resistance, it can withstand drops from three feet and boasts a display that remains visible even in direct sunlight. With features like a built-in carry handle and a stylus slot, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 excels in all aspects, earning it the title of Editors’ Choice among semi-rugged laptops.
Design: Bring On the Rough and Tumble
Semi-rugged laptops like the Toughbook 55 Mk3 are built to thrive in challenging environments such as dusty factory floors, worksites, or police cruisers. Constructed from magnesium alloy with heavy-duty display hinges and dust covers on all ports, this laptop is built to endure the unknown. Its robust design is a testament to its capability to handle serious situations.
The Toughbook 55 Mk3 sports a familiar design with a black chassis and silver lid. The laptop exudes durability, with a chassis that remains sturdy even under pressure. Despite its slightly bulkier size compared to traditional 14-inch laptops, the Toughbook 55 Mk3’s integrated carry handle makes it easy to grab and go, weighing in at 4.9 pounds for the touch-screen model.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
With its military testing certification and ability to survive drops from three feet, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 provides reliable performance in rugged environments. Its modular design allows for easy upgrades and customization, with three expansion areas that can accommodate various modules for enhanced functionality. The laptop also features a range of ports, including USB, Ethernet, and Thunderbolt connections, as well as a stylus for touch model variants.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
