Saturday, June 22, 2024

Panasonic Connect Unveils Its First AI-Enabled TOUGHBOOK PC: A Game-Changer for Mission-Critical Workers



Panasonic Connect North America has just dropped a bombshell in the rugged laptop market with the announcement of the first AI-enabled TOUGHBOOK PC. This second-generation marvel, the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2, is revolutionizing the way mission-critical workers get their tasks done. Get ready to dive into a world where durability meets cutting-edge technology, and efficiency is taken to a whole new level.



First things first, let’s talk about what makes the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 such a powerhouse. Equipped with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, this rugged beast boasts the latest advancements in CPU, GPU, and NPU technology. With up to 16 cores, the Mk2 surpasses its predecessors by delivering a whopping 143% faster AI application performance. Just imagine the generative AI capabilities! It’s 73% faster, all while consuming up to 40% less power. Whether you’re in law enforcement, a federal agency, or working in utility companies, this laptop is designed to make your job easier and more efficient.

Dominick Passanante, Vice President and GM of Panasonic Connect, says it best: “We are dedicated to developing solutions that not only address the current needs of our customers but also anticipate their future requirements.” The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is a perfect example of this commitment. It’s not just another laptop; it’s a tool designed to enhance productivity and efficiency on the job.


Now, let’s switch gears and talk about graphics and memory. The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 offers optional Intel® Arc™ graphics, which deliver up to 62% improved 3DMark performance compared to standard Intel® graphics. If you’re dealing with large datasets, live video feeds, or complex imagery, this laptop has got you covered. And if Intel isn’t your jam, an AMD dedicated GPU is also available.

But wait, there’s more! With DDR5 memory and speeds that are 75% faster, you can run multiple applications simultaneously. This is a game-changer for field technicians who need to access critical schematics and operational data on the go. Imagine troubleshooting and maintaining infrastructure without the lag—pure bliss!

Federal government personnel will also find this feature incredibly useful. In dynamic and high-pressure environments, the ability to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively is crucial. The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 ensures you have the tools you need, right when you need them.



Let’s dive into the storage capabilities of this rugged beauty. The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 enhances the user experience with an optional second SSD, doubling the maximum storage. This means you have vast space for essential documents and applications. The NVMe connector ensures quick file access with speeds six times faster than SATA connectors. Waiting for data retrieval? Not anymore!

Security is also a top priority. The Mk2 offers FIPS 140-2 encryption, providing a secure and certified hardware-encrypted storage drive. This is especially beneficial for law enforcement and federal agencies dealing with sensitive data.

Customization is where the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 truly shines. With eight modular user-replaceable locations, including four expansion (xPAK) areas, you have 9,600 different combinations to choose from. Need a barcode scanner? There’s an updated optional barcode xPAK for that. It offers increased brightness, double the sensor pixels, three times faster scanning speed, and a wider scanning area. How about additional I/O ports? A new xPAK adds USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports. These accessories can be preconfigured by Panasonic or installed separately, offering unparalleled flexibility.



In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever. The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 7, offering speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps. That’s more than double the previous standard! This is particularly beneficial for police officers who need to upload large volumes of video data at the end of a shift.

Battery life is another area where the Mk2 excels. Users can expect a real-world battery life improvement of approximately 20%, allowing for extended work periods without needing to plug in. Imagine working a full shift without worrying about your laptop dying on you. That’s the dream!



The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is packed with features that make it the ultimate tool for mission-critical workers. It sports a 14” FHD 1-1200 nit capacitive gloved touch screen, ensuring you can see everything clearly, even in bright sunlight. Rugged certifications like 6’ Drop, MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461H, C1D2, and IP66 make it durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions.

Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 vPro® 14-core processor, with an optional Ultra 7 vPro processor offering 16 cores. Storage options range from 512GB to 2TB for the main SSD, with a second SSD option available, bringing the total up to 4TB. RAM options range from 16GB to 64GB DDR5, all user-replaceable.

Connectivity options include 4G or 5G, supporting FirstNet® (band 14), CBRS private cellular (band 48), and dual SIM (physical + eSIM). The 5MP infrared webcam with a privacy cover ensures you can video call securely. Superior voice accuracy is achieved with tetra array microphones and AI noise reduction. And let’s not forget the class-leading 95db front speakers and 24 hours of battery life with an optional second battery.

For those concerned about security, the Mk2 offers a Local Platform Erase option to wipe the entire contents of the device in less than 10 seconds. New COM splitter software allows WWAN-GPS or dedicated GPS to assign multiple COM ports, integrating with various applications requiring GPS information simultaneously.


Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is not just a laptop; it’s a revolution in the world of rugged computing. With its advanced AI capabilities, superior performance, and unparalleled customization options, it’s designed to meet the needs of mission-critical workers across various industries.

Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK As A Service (TaaS) offers a budget-friendly OPEX solution to help customers stay current with the latest technology. Panasonic also provides staff augmentation and last-mile deployment services to support quick setup.

The TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 is available for purchase now, with an MSRP starting at $4,699. For complete product details and to learn more about the lineup of accessories, visit Panasonic’s website.

In a world where efficiency and performance are paramount, the TOUGHBOOK 40 Mk2 stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability. Whether you’re in law enforcement, a federal agency, or any other mission-critical field, this next-generation TOUGHBOOK is here to make your job easier, faster, and more efficient. Welcome to the future of rugged laptops!

No comments:

Post a Comment