Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 review

Laptops are essential to most jobs these days in one way or another. However, one similarity spans most laptops—they are fragile. Sure, a few are more durable than others, but the fear of breaking your expensive laptop will remain unless you have a rugged-style laptop. 

Like many of the best rugged laptops we've tested out, that's where Panasonic's line of Toughbooks comes into play. Several large laptop companies have a rugged laptop line-up. Still, Panasonic has recently updated theirs with the release of the Toughbook 55 Mk3, pushing their performance beyond what was previously attained in the rugged laptop world. But can it protect against the bumps, knocks, and scrapes of day-to-day use? We put the laptop through its paces.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Unboxing and First Impressions

From the beginning of my experience with this laptop, it became evident that the focus was on rugged durability. The laptop's packaging is a Pelican-style case with locking hinges, custom-fit padding, and more protection than I have ever seen with a computer's packaging.

The laptop covers all the ports that can be covered and closed to protect the port and computer from whatever elements you may be experiencing that day. Additionally, several modular bays on this laptop allow for expansion and customization.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Design and Build Quality

Panasonic's Toughbook 55 MK3 is a semi-rugged laptop, meaning that while it is not the most rugged option available, it's still durable enough to take a few hits and be okay. This laptop is rugged and durable for most scenarios, and the power is impressive, too. Something about large and rugged tech immediately makes me feel like it will be slow and unresponsive. However, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 proves that thought wrong. 

The Toughbook is Panasonic's line of laptops built for the outdoors. It is not just durable for a heavy set down in the office like most laptops, but durable for a drop out of a truck, knocked around at a construction yard, fumbled on a trail, or bumped at a factory. These laptops even have mounting grids for desktops or vehicles (such as a police cruiser or work truck). To help with traveling and mobility, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 also has a built-in handle that can expand when used and tuck back away when not needed.

To touch on the modular design, the Toughbook 55 Mk3 has six user-removable areas that can house a plethora of upgrades such as expanded RAM, Memory, batteries, optical drives, barcode readers, authentication readers, and other I/O.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: In use

I've used a laptop heavily for nearly two decades now, and with my role reviewing gear over the last several years, I have used not only a single laptop but many laptops. I have always babied my laptops, protecting them in every way I can by using a laptop sleeve in my backpack, cases, sleeves, docks, and cleaning materials. I remember the one time I dropped my laptop; I was devastated because there was now a mark and slight dent in my beloved computer.

The Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3 is a different breed. While still as fast as the other incredible laptops I am testing, it is also unbelievably durable and ready for anything. While I am not taking this laptop to the top of a mountain, nor am I in construction, I did feel its durability and ruggedness even when used just for daily use. I brought this laptop with me everywhere for a while during testing, and it was all without any worries or concerns. 

While durable, this laptop is also remarkably capable. It makes other laptops feel limited because of their lack of modularity. I appreciate the ability to swap in and out modular pieces depending on what is essential. You can add more if you work on the go and need a massive battery. If you need a disk drive, you can add a disk drive. For both examples, if you'd rather have a different piece or a lighter overall machine, you can choose not to have those pieces, too.

This Toughbook is an excellent laptop for many reasons, such as its modularity, ruggedness, and battery life. However, there are some downsides. For one, it is significant and does not fit in my backpack's laptop sleeve or any of my backpacks. It could be more sleek, understated, and minimalist than most laptops. It doesn't fit in laptop sleeves or docks easily, either. 

But that's the point. It's designed to be used differently than most laptops. While it's more challenging to take with you places, it is specifically made for specific environments. This is different from the computer you take to get some light writing done at a coffee shop or one that you would buy for your admin job or remote work. This laptop is specifically for those who work in hazardous or outdoor scenarios and need one that can withstand such environments without needing to be babied, as most laptops do.

Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3: Final verdict

If you are in the market for a semi-rugged yet high-powered laptop, consider the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk3. It is a highly functional, powerful, and all-around fantastic computer with a rugged exterior. While, as mentioned, it may not be an excellent option for an admin computer, one frequently used in an office, or one that is going to be used as a traditional laptop, it will be great for those who value durability as much as they value performance.

We've tested the best rugged tablets and best rugged phones for durability in the field.