“No Compromise” Rugged Computing: The Toughbook® 31 Delivers
Founded in 1993, the notebook division of Panasonic (now Panasonic Solutions Company) created the first economically priced standard 
form-factor rugged PC, which was brought to market in 1995. Since then, the Toughbook brand has become the global leader and gold standard in rugged mobile computers.
The Toughbook 31 is the sixth generation of the flagship Toughbook clamshell notebook line. The new device is distinguished by the fact that it is both the industry’s highest performing and most durable rugged PC. The premier Toughbook 31 features a full power Intel® Core™ i5 processor (entry level models feature the Core i3), and discreet graphics options for users, such as those in military operations, with intense data modeling requirements.
In addition to pushing the boundaries of performance, the Toughbook 31 also offers the brightest standard battery-powered screen ever at 1,100 nits, with more efficient LED displays, and the same long battery life (up to 11.5 hours), people have come to expect from the Toughbook line of mobile computers.
No Compromises
Traditionally, in creating rugged notebooks, engineers have had to make a number of trade-offs in support of reliability, the fundamental requirement for these devices. However, as they always have, Panasonic’s notebook engineers have pushed the boundaries, resulting in the ultimate no-compromise rugged computing solution. The Toughbook 31 delivers all of this power and goes beyond MIL-STD-810G testing to deliver a 6’ drop rating and IP65 protection—protection against streaming liquids and fine dust. In addition to being the highest performing rugged notebook, the Toughbook 31 is without a doubt the most durable.
Taking the Heat
One of the greatest challenges in engineering fully rugged PCs has always been thermal management. Historically, because of their high degree of failure and the resulting increased exposure to dust and moisture, “fan” has been a four letter word for engineers focused on reliability. As a result, truly rugged PCs have been constrained to using lower voltage chipsets. However, Panasonic, in cooperation with its partners at Intel, has been a long-time leader in developing unique approaches to managing heat, using sinks and pipes designed to keep units running cool and CPUs running at their peak.
Thanks to Panasonic’s ongoing commitment to R&D, the Toughbook 31 continues to break performance barriers. In addition to its proven heat management technology, the new Panasonic hybrid cooling system incorporates a fully rugged interior fan that keeps air (and dust, sand, and fluids) moving, allowing for the use of a desktop class processor, like the Core i5. Because Panasonic engineers are 100% focused on reliability and creating fail-safe solutions, they’ve also devised a software solution that, in the unlikely event of a cooling fan failure, the device is programmed to run cooler, stepping down the clock speed. Only Panasonic, with its engineers focused on up-time, is in a position to innovate in this way.
Protecting Investments in the Long Run
Why do Panasonic’s engineers obsess over these things? For two reasons: 1. to continue to deliver the industry’s most reliable PCs, and 2. to ensure a high ROI and lower total cost of ownership for our customers.
To contribute to this, the Toughbook 31 includes multiple future-proof wireless options, including Gobi2000™ chipset from Qualcomm. The 31 is a 4G-ready device designed from the inside-out to enable superior data access and productivity for any mobile professional in mission-critical applications and extreme environments.
In addition, the Toughbook 31 maintains Panasonic’s now eleven year commitment to vehicle dock compatibility, ensuring that this critical and expensive hardware investment is protected over time. It is these kinds of things—based on the ongoing feedback of our customers—that make purchasing mobile computers from Panasonic a solid long-term investment.
