Panasonic Semi-Rugged Toughbook 53 & Toughbook 54 — A Review

Why would someone buy a semi-rugged laptop over a fully rugged laptop? This is a great question many ask when shopping the market for ruggedized laptops, tablets and handled computers. Fully rugged, semi-rugged, ultra-rugged, business-rugged are all terms floating around the rugged computer market — so, how do you know the right solution to choose for your mobile workforce? Rugged notebooks are largely purchased by enterprise businesses deploying workers in hazardous environments or by local and federal government agencies such as police, firefighters, enforcement, military mechanics or with mobile workers who require a laptop to survive just about anything. Semi-rugged notebook computers are purpose-built for mobile workers, designed with a magnesium alloy case, a shock or gel-mounted hard disk drive, and a spill-proof keyboard. Semi-rugged laptops are very good for travel and outdoor use, and are best for people who travel often and need to occasionally work outside, or inside a vehicle while on the road.  A semi rugged laptop is more durable, lasts longer, and requires less frequent repairs, creating a lasting return on investment.

Panasonic Toughbook 53

If you are searching for a semi-rugged laptop, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 is an excellent choice, and one of our best selling semi-rugged notebooks. With a 14-inch HD LED display, Windows, Intel Core i5 vPro and a multi-touch touchpad, it performs like a desktop with the convenience of a notebook. With a growing number of workers spending a significant amount of time working from the road, professionals need their technology to offer performance and connectivity while at the same time keeping up with the rigors of their jobs.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 is designed with an anti-reflective and anti-glare HD display, and optional 4G LTE multi carrier mobile broadband with satellite GPS – as well as a magnesium alloy case with handle, spill-resistant keyboard and certification to survive a 3-foot drop, the semi-rugged Toughbook 53 is built to assure a high long-term return on investment for a diverse range of users in utilities, public safety, field service, home and building inspection, just to name a few.

The Toughbook 53’s shock-mounted flex-connect hard disk drive with quick release can handle bumps and vibrations to keep your important data safe. An optional hard drive heater is available for working in cold environments as well as optional solid state drives for even more protection from accidental drops.

Whether looking to purchase mobile laptops or tablet for thousands of workers or for a small team, buyers need to pay attention to total cost of ownership and return on investment. The goal is to deploy a solution that will improve productivity and function reliably over a long period of time. The goal should not be to buy a solution simply based on purchase price.  To make an educated purchase, organizations must evaluate all costs, including upfront and long-term.

Panasonic Toughbook 54 

Another exceptional option when searching for a semi-rugged notebook is the Panasonic Toughbook CF-54. The Toughbook 54 is a reliable and versatile tool for mobile workers in demanding markets such as video production, insurance, utilities, construction, field service, public safety, and government.

This highly customizable, light weight, durable Toughbook 54 comes in four different models to suit every need — Lite, Prime, Gloved Multi Touch, and Performance, each one designed to assure a high long-term return on investment for a diverse range of businesses and government agencies. The Toughbook 54 has a wide range of integrated options such as dedicated GPS, 4G LTE mobile broadband with satellite GPS, antenna dual pass-through, and insertable and contactless SmartCard readers.

The Toughbook 54 is one of the most versatile semi-rugged notebooks on the market today. It offers an optional second battery, allowing hot swap battery replacement without the need to shut down or hibernate, resulting in battery lives of up to 18 hours. The Toughbook 54 one of the most advanced semi-rugged notebooks on the market with a wide array of customizable options available to suit exact user requirements.

To learn more on Panasonic Toughbook semi-rugged laptops and how Group Mobile can assist you in implementing an affordable mobile solution, contact one of Group Mobile’s technology experts.

 

 

The ROI of Rugged Computers: Are They Worth the Investment?

When you choose the ideal laptop or tablet for your computing needs away from the office, you want to be sure you’re getting a product that will stick with you for time to come. Rugged computers have a higher price tag than many consumer devices. You want to be sure, if you’re going to spend money on a ruggedized device, that it’s going to be worth the investment. Knowing the (ROI) return on investment of rugged computers can help you make those critical decisions for your business.

Rugged Computers Go the Extra Mile

For many individuals, from contractors working on-site to people who work outside on a regular basis, a computer is only as useful as the device will allow. Rugged computers are designed to be usable wherever you are. They can be used:

• Out in the rain without having to worry about water damage
• In the back of a truck, bouncing around with the rest of your equipment, without having to worry about damage from vibration
• In locations exposed to dirt, dust, and other conditions that could cause a more traditional mobile computer to stop functioning

A rugged laptop or tablet’s greatest ROI is that it can go anywhere you can. Take it with you on those important trips, haul it along when you’re headed out to a job site or out into the wilderness: it’s tough enough to take it.

Rugged Computers are Highly Durable

In some cases, you might not be headed out to a job site or spending a great deal of time outside. That doesn’t mean, however, that accidents can’t happen wherever you are. Ask yourself a few key questions:

• Do you travel frequently, hauling your computer along with you through airports, to hotels, and anywhere else you have to go?
• Do you often find yourself setting up at restaurant tables that aren’t as clean as you’d like or where spills are more likely?
• Are you naturally clumsy, with a tendency to drop your computer bag at the worst possible moment or spill a drink when you’re sitting behind your desk?
• Do you work in dusty or otherwise dirty conditions on a regular basis?

If any of these conditions ring true for you, it doesn’t matter if you often work in rugged conditions or not. A rugged device could be the solution to everything you need! Any time your mobile computer has to be fixed, you’re losing time and money. Not only do you have to pay for it to be fixed, you also have to find a solution for handling your computing needs while your computer is out of service or put off that work until you have your computer back in your hands. A rugged mobile computer ensures less time lost because it’s less likely to become damaged over the course of a normal work day.

The Support You Need to Keep Running

In every stage of the new device implementation process, from pre-deployment question and answer sessions to support after you’ve gotten used to your new mobile computer, but faced with a problem, you’ll receive all the support you need to make the most of your rugged computer. This includes:

• Solutions for your most common problems
• Help figuring out which rugged technology is the right fit for you and your business
• Vital technical support when you need it most
• Smooth roll-out services that will have your new technology working seamlessly in no time
• Training for members of the team who need it
• Extended help desk and repair of broken items

The investment in a rugged device comes along with all of these vital services, ensuring that you’ll be able to keep your equipment running smoothly. That means minimal lost time for your business as a whole, from the pre-deployment phases to the post-deployment need for support.

Rugged mobile computers have the potential to offer a stunning return on investment for your business. When you work with a rugged laptop, tablet, or handheld you can be confident in the fact, no matter where work takes you, your rugged device can come along. With less lost time, the ability to use your computer even in rugged conditions, and high-quality support, rugged mobile computers are an investment that will certainly pay off. Contact Group Mobile today to learn how we can help choose the right rugged mobile solution for you.

Best Semi-Rugged Notebooks of 2016!

 

Do you spend more time outdoors and on the road than at your desk? Are you overwhelmed by the “rugged” jargon in today’s IT world? How do you choose between a fully rugged or semi-rugged notebook computer and what factors play into your decision? Notebook computers have evolved into sleek and powerful devices that can do everything a desktop PC is capable of. In today’s world, more mobile professionals are replacing their large and bulky desktop PC’s with modernized, sleek, and ruggedized notebook computers. The first step in purchasing a rugged notebook is determining your requirements, we don’t want you to pay for something you don’t need, that is where we come in, we will help you by advising a solution to suit your business needs. Keep reading below for valuable inside information into the world of ruggedized notebook computers — plus, our choice for the best semi-rugged notebooks of 2016!

There are three generally accepted levels of ruggedization: semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged. These “rugged” levels describe a product’s ability to survive drops, vibration, dust, immersion, and extreme temperatures. The two most common values cited are from the Ingress Protection (IP) Code, a system for classifying the degrees of sealing protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment and MIL-STD-810, a series of testing guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment. The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure. The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture such as dripping, spraying, and submersion. The higher the two digits, the more rugged the notebook is classified.

What kind of hazards will your notebook PC be subjected to? What is your usage environment for this laptop, will it be used in the rain, dust, snow, or wind?  Will it be mounted in your car and driven on bumpy roads causing extreme vibration? Much depends upon how the rugged notebook is to be used in determining whether to purchase a fully rugged, semi-rugged, or ultra-rugged device. If you need a durable, no-nonsense mobile computer that will last a long time, yet is sleek, powerful and lightweight, we highly suggest a semi-rugged notebook. Semi-rugged notebooks will offer a magnesium case, a shock or gel-mounted hard disk drive, and features such as a spill-proof keyboard. A semi-rugged notebook typically withstands harsh temperatures as well as extreme vibration and will even handle a certain amount of water on the keyboard. With semi-rugged notebooks, you can expect nothing less than resistance to impact, drops, scratches, droplets, spills, and altitude. Below we have listed our best semi-rugged notebooks of 2016.

Panasonic Toughbook 54

The semi-rugged Toughbook 54 notebook is thin and light, yet built with a rugged magnesium allow case with built-in handle for easy portability and durability in the field. The Toughbook 54 semi-rugged notebook sports a  bright, 14-inch display and weighs in under 5 pounds at just 1.2 inches thick. Inside the Toughbook 54 is an Intel Core i5-5300U vPro processor, 4GB to 16GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive (with optional solid-state drive choices), and the ability to add a second solid state drive. The Panasonic Toughbook 54 comes in four different options to meet the vast customer demand, Lite, Prime, Gloved Multi Touch, and Performance models. The Toughbook 54 is a reliable and versatile tool for mobile workers in demanding markets such as video production, insurance, utilities, construction, field service, public safety, and government. Learn more about the Panasonic Toughbook 54…

Getac S410

The Getac S410 is a full-size, full-featured semi-rugged notebook specifically designed
for use in a variety of field applications including field service, public safety, manufacturing, military applications, professional services, and in-vehicle use. The Getac S410 is built tough enough to be used outdoors and on the job, with an integrated handle to carry the device for simple portability in the field.  All of the ports on the semi-rugged Getac S410 have protective covers to guard from dust and rain. The Getac S410 is powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, or optional i5, or i7 processor for great speed and performance when using processor-intensive applications. With such a powerful Intel processor, the Getac S410 boots up in seconds for time-sensitive, high-priority operations. The S410 notebook comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM (expandable to 16GB) and a 500GB shock mounted hard disk drive. The S410 notebook features a 14-inch HD wide-screen, sunlight-readable display, which can be upgraded to 1000 NIT LumiBond display with multi-touch technology. Learn more about the Getac S410…

                                                                               Durabook S15AB

The Durabook S15AB semi-rugged notebook is a must have mobile computing tool for workers in hazardous environments and those taking frequent trips into the field away from the office. The Durabook S15AB rugged notebook features a brilliant 15.6-inch LCD display with full HD resolution, Intel 5th generation Broadwell U series CPU platform, up to 16GB of memory, plus advanced security features. The Durabook S15AB carries an exceptional price point, ideal applications for this rugged notebook S15AB include the automotive industry, government and police, and various field service applications. The Durabook S15AB is powered by an Intel Core i5-5200U 2.2GHz processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM (expandable to 16GB), and a 1TB Hard Disk Drive. Durabook’s S15AB ruggedized notebook conceals two USB 3.0 ports, RJ-45 Ethernet, HDMI, 15-pin VGA and 9-pin serial port. Learn more about the Durabook S15AB…

Why Use a Vehicle Mount for Your Computer?

Why would you want to use a vehicle mount for your computer? The answer is simple – you cannot afford not to! A vehicle mount is a must have if you are driving with your computer in the vehicle, and the selection of vehicle mounting systems Group Mobile carries makes it easy to choose the correct mounting solution for your specific needs.

 Safety is one of the top reasons to use a computer vehicle mount. Every year over 130,000 people are hurt by flying objects inside vehicles, not just during an accident but during sudden stops, turns and unexpected maneuvers. Your computer, or your employee’s computer, becomes a very dangerous object at unexpected times. The computer itself can be damaged, causing down time and potentially costly repairs.

Ergonomics and ease of use are additional reasons to install a vehicle computer mount. Having the vehicle computer in a comfortable and easy to reach position reduces back and eye strain as well as increases productivity. If you use a mobile printer, it can also be mounted keeping everything safe, within reach, and in a professional looking set up.

Group Mobile offers a wide selection of mounting options to choose from. We carry the top brands, including Gamber Johnson, RAM, and Havis. There are also computer specific cradles and docking stations available for many computer brands and models. These cradles and docking stations offer custom fit for your computer as well as port replication with some offering antenna pass-through to increase wireless reception. Whether mounting your computer in your car, truck, van or boat, we have the mounting system you need. See Group Mobile’s portfolio of vehicle mounts here…   

                    

Featuring Durabook Rugged Devices — Rugged Mobile Computing for Every Industry!

Featuring the tough, dependable and cost-effective Durabook S15AB rugged notebook, R11 tablet, and the Durabook R8300 rugged laptop for industries such as telecommunications , government, field service, and automotive industry users.  

 

Durabook S15AB

 

The Durabook S15AB is designed to meet the needs of the mobile professional in need of a rugged notebook that can stand up to extreme conditions. The rugged Durabook S15AB has a 15.6-inch LCD with full HD resolution, Intel 5th Generation i-Core processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB hard disk drive, and low 15W power consumption, which means up to 8.5 hours of battery life, vivid graphics, and faster video conversions. The S15AB offers the power, performance, and reliability required in today’s mobile environment.

The chassis of the S15AB notebook is made from magnesium alloy and is 20 times stronger than a plastic case. With that rugged chassis, the machine meets MIL-STD 810G for vibration resistance. Keyboard, keypad, buttons, and indicators on the machine are also spill resistant making it a perfect solution for the mobile professional. A variety of ports are included in this rugged notebook including two USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors, an RJ-45 jack for internal Ethernet,  HDMI port, a D-sub 9 pin RS-232 serial port, and a VGA port, plus each one of these many ports are protected by dust covers.

The Durabook S15AB comes standard with a 2MP webcam plus a SuperMulti DVD drive. The S15AB is packed with a variety of security systems including: TPM 2.0 module data protection, a Kensington lock connector, and administrator and boot password control. It is also Computrace ready in case the unit is ever stolen. Learn more about the Durabook S15AB here…
  
Many accessories are available for the Durabook S15AB including docking and mounting solutions, batteries, power adapters, external storage devices, mobile printers and scanners, carrying cases, and more. Learn more and purchase accessories for the S15AB here…

Durabook R8300   

  
The Durabook R8300 rugged computer is designed for the toughest users and tested to military standards, including temperature extremes, humidity, vibration, dust, drops, and spills. It is an ideal rugged notebook for military personnel, first responders, and field service technicians in industries such as utilities, telecom, and cable. 

The Durabook R8300 is powered by an Intel® Core i7 processor, 500GB shock-mounted hard drive, and 4GB RAM. It has a 13.3-inch sunlight-readable display with a multi-touch touchscreen that provides advanced functionality such as pinch to zoom.

The R8300 rugged laptop offers a full set of embedded wireless technologies to give mobile users advanced wireless connectivity and increased productivity. Options include Wi-Fi 802.11, high power WLAN, Bluetooth, dedicated GPS, and 4G LTE mobile broadband technologies.

The R8300 continues to maintain a platform footprint that is consistent with its fully rugged notebook predecessors (the General Dynamics Itronix GD8000, and GD8200), allowing customers to upgrade their rugged notebooks without replacing vehicle docks, and significantlylowering the total cost of ownership. Learn more about the Durabook R8300 rugged laptop computer… 

Durabook R11

   
The Durabook R11 is a rugged 11.6-inch tablet designed for workers in the utilities, public safety, and government markets. It meets MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards for durability and protection against dirt, dust, water, motion, vibration, temperature. The R11 rugged tablet functions for up to 7 hours and has a generous set of standard features including an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB solid state drive, built-in 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, integrated digital cameras, Intel high-definition audio, and a Micro SD card slot. The R11 also offers a wide array of options including 4G LTE mobile broadband with GPS, RF pass-through, E-Compass, as well as processor, memory, storage, and display upgrades. Learn more about the Durabook R11 rugged tablet computer…

The Best Rugged Computers for Business Travelers!

Business travelers depend on mobile devices to stay connected and productive when they are on the go. Learn more about Group Mobile’s most popular semi-rugged laptops for business travelers — the Panasonic Toughbook 54, the Getac S400, and the Durabook S15H. 

Toughbook 54   

Delivers power and rugged portability!    

The Toughbook 54 from Panasonic uses the latest advances to create a semi-rugged laptop lighter and thinner than the competition. It features a spill-resistant, full magnesium alloy design, hard drive heater, backlit keyboard, and is available in four different models to suit every need. The Toughbook 54 has a wide range of integrated options such as dedicated GPS, 4G LTE mobile broadband with satellite GPS, antenna pass-through, and insertable and contactless SmartCard readers. It also offers an optional second battery, allowing hot swap battery replacement without the need to shut down or hibernate. It offers dual drives, another feature that makes the Toughbook 54 rugged laptop one of the most versatile and advanced semi-rugged notebooks on the market. Learn more about the Panasonic Toughbook 54 semi-rugged notebook…

Getac S400  

Built to survive demanding work environments!  

The Getac S400 is one of the most durable semi-rugged notebooks on the market. It was developed specifically for utilities, public safety, field service, and military applications. It features Getac’s KryptoShell™ body which allows the rugged S400 to withstand temperature extremes, shock, vibration, and drops from up to 2.5 feet. It features a 14-inch widescreen, sunlight-readable display, a water-resistant keyboard, and a Super Multi DVD drive. Connectivity features of the S400 include 802.11ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and other integrated wireless options including 4G LTE and a GPS receiver and antenna. Learn more about the Getac S400 semi-rugged notebook…

Durabook S15H     

Large wide-format 15.3″ display!  

The Durabook S15H is a semi-rugged laptop with a large 15.6″ display. The S15H is designed and tested to withstand wide temperature fluctuations, vibration, and a 2.5 foot drop while continuing to work in any tough environment. It comes standard a Super-Multi DVD drive and an optional webcam. Connectivity features of the S15H include 802.11 wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband. The Durabook S15H rugged laptop offers the power, performance, and reliability required in today’s mobile environment. Learn more about the Durabook S15H semi-rugged notebook…

Group Mobile Webinar: Trends in Mobile Data Capture

Join us this week for a webinar: March 8, 2013  
What You’ll Learn:

• How mobile data capture has evolved.
• New trends in tablet use and adoption.
• How to quickly and easily create e-forms for mobile devices, tablets, digital pens, and laptops.
• Why rugged computers are essential in today’s mobile computing environments.

Topic: Trends in Mobile Data Capture

Date: Friday, March 8, 2013

Time: 11:00 am, EST

REGISTER NOW

For assistance:

1.Go to https://mi-corporation.webex.com/mi-corporation/mc      
2. On the left navigation bar, click “Support”. 

New Rugged Computers from Panasonic

Toughpad A1

Fully Rugged Android Tablet 

The new Panasonic Toughpad A1 Android tablet is ideal for highly mobile outdoor workers in markets like aviation, construction, field sales and the public sector, where exposure to extreme environments is a constant challenge and the consequence of a failure is significant.  

The Toughpad A1 has a brilliant 10″ multi-touch, daylight-viewable screen. A stylus and active digitizer, enable flexible data entry in the field, as well as signature capture and handwriting recognition. Other features include integrated front and rear cameras, a serviceable battery, multiple options for peripheral connectivity, and battery life that can accommodate a full day of work. Learn more about the Toughpad A1.

Toughbook C2  

Semi-Rugged Convertible Notebook

The Toughbook C2 supplies an impressive 11 hours of standard battery life and weighs only 3.6lbs. It has a 12.5″ multi-touch display and features an array of industry-leading advancements, such as a durable triple-hinge design, as well as a unique bridge battery enabling hot-swappable battery replacement without interruption. The extremely bright and sharp display has almost 180 viewing angles. 

The C2’s semi-rugged design offers protection against up to 30″ drops and is spill-resistant. The ergonomic strap is great for extended use and holding the notebook in any orientation. Integrated options, such as a barcode reader, SmartCard reader, bottom camera, and serial port, make the Toughbook C2 perfect for a wide range of applications and environments. Learn more about the Toughbook C2.

Toughbook SX2    

Business Rugged Notebook

The thin, 3.15 lb. Toughbook SX2 was designed for the mobile professional and has advanced features such as 14.5 hours of battery life, a turbo-enhanced processor, and a lightweight, drop-resistant magnesium alloy design. The Toughbook SX2 is engineered to meet the standards of quality customers have come to expect from Toughbook mobile computers are known, while providing maximum portability for highly valued executives and professionals. The SX2 business-rugged notebook lets you accomplish more while at your desk or on the go.  Learn more about the Toughbook SX2.

Introducing the Panasonic Toughbook SX2

Panasonic, one of the pioneers of ruggedized laptops, just released the Toughbook SX2. The Toughbook SX2 is Panasonics latest Business Rugged Laptop. The Toughbook SX2 pairs the Intel® Core i5-3320M 2.60GHz featuring vPro technology with the Windows 7 operating system for an incredible mobile computing experience. It features a 12.1″ HD+ sunlight-readable, widescreen display for easy viewing in any lighting condition. The SX2 is also equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, a built-in webcam, and a DVD drive. Add to that 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 320GB shock-mounted hard drive, and a very impressive 14.5 hours of battery life, and you get a ruggedized notebook that lets you accomplish more than you ever expected while on the go.

The Toughbook SX2’s case is machined from Magnesium Alloy which allows for a durable, yet lighter weight case than other alloys. The SX2 features a spill-resistant keyboard and can withstand drops up to 30″.   

Watch the Panasonic Toughbook SX2 Durability Testing Video

 Learn more about the Panasonic Toughbook SX2!

Mobile Computing Comparison Shopping?

Did You Know You Can Compare Rugged Computers Side-By-Side?

Here, at Group Mobile, we feel it’s important for our customers to be able to make the most educated decision possible when purchasing new products. We are also aware, with such a large variety of ruggedized products on the market, that it can be overwhelming at times determining which computer fits your situation best. Group Mobile’s Rugged Computer Comparison Charts offer side-by-side specification comparisons of the brands and models we carry based on rugged rating and form factor.

Have a few you are interested in? Choose the appropriate category to view our product comparisons. We also have customer reviews, which can be helpful when choosing the computer that is best suitable for your needs. Visit the Product User Reviews page to gather more information for your next purchase.

If you have more specific questions or are not completely sure of which system works ideally with your goals, please contact one of our mobile computing specialists and they will be happy to assist you with whatever you may need.