Frequently Asked Questions
Is the keyboard included?
Since some customers already have a keyboard, no keyboard is included to be more cost-effective. For questions about bundling a tablet and keyboard, please contact your Panasonic representative.
What is the TOUGHBOOK 55?
The TOUGHBOOK 55 is a semi rugged 14” laptop. It is engineered to meet the demands of the extraordinary.
Can I detach the screen?
No, the TOUGHBOOK 55 is a laptop (sometimes referred to as a clamshell). If you are looking for a 2-in-1 detachable device, Panasonic offers the TOUGHBOOK 33 (12” fully rugged PC) and TOUGHBOOK G2 (10.1” fully rugged PC).
What modular areas on the TOUGHBOOK 55 are user-upgradeable?
The memory (RAM), storage (SSD), and even the keyboard are user-upgradeable. The storage drive has a quick-release latch for easy and fast removal. There are also three other expansion areas that can accommodate optical drives, authentication readers, additional I/O, batteries, a second storage drive, and a barcode reader. This customization helps futureproof, simplify ordering, shorten lead times, and decrease downtime.
What is the difference between “expansion areas”, “expansion pack” and “xPAK’s”?
The expansion areas are the three modular areas on the TOUGHBOOK 55. The expansion packs (or xPAK’s) are the accessories that fit into one of the three expansion areas.
Can I buy an expansion pack (xPAK) post-purchase or do I have to buy it at the time of purchase of the laptop?
The xPAK’s can be purchased as accessories at purchase or post-purchase and are user-upgradeable.
How complicated is it to remove an xPAK? Do I need special training?
Panasonic designed the xPAK’s to be easily inserted and removed. Most have a quick-release lever for easy insertion/removal. The xPAK’s for the Rear Expansion Area and Fingerprint Reader require just a screwdriver and a handful of screws but are designed to be simple and user-upgradeable.
I don’t want my users to be able to remove the xPAK’s and SSD. Can I lock them down?
Yes, Panasonic designed the xPAK’s and the main SSD to be lockable by simply inserting a screw. Panasonic offers a SKU (FZ-VSW551U) with a bag of 14 interchangeable screws (mix of silver and black) that can be used to lock down the various expansion areas as well as replace screws from the keyboard, dGPU xPAK, and Rear xPAK’s.
What screws are included in FZ-VSW551U?
There are 14 interchangeable screws (mix of silver and black) that can be used to lock down the various expansion areas as well as replacements for the screws from the keyboard, Fingerprint, and Rear xPAK’s.
Is the SSD removable?
Yes, it is end-user removable and has a quick-release lever for easy detaching. If an IT department wants to, they can purchase an optional locking screw that will secure the SSD and help prevent it from coming loose by accident. A set of 14 screws is included in SKU # FZ-VSW551U.
Are the batteries removable?
Yes, they are end-user removable and have a quick-release lever for easy detaching.
How is MobileMark 25 different than MobileMark 2014?
The TOUGHBOOK 55 Mk3 and Mk2 real-world battery lives are the same; however, the Mk3 battery life is now reported using MobileMark 25 instead of MobileMark 2014. MobileMark 25 is a newer version that uses more aggressive tests, resulting in lower test scores for battery life. It tests devices at a higher brightness level and includes more scenarios like Office Productivity and Creativity.

