POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Panasonic Releases Upgraded Toughbook 20

A new optional magstripe reader will add a much-requested feature to the Toughbook 20’s toolset. For law enforcement officers, this allows for a quick, in-field reading of driver’s licenses, making their work safer and faster than ever before.

February 9, 2018

Panasonic, an industry leading manufacturer of rugged and semi-rugged mobile computing solutions, has announced the U.S. launch of the latest version of its popular 2-in-1 detachable laptop, the Toughbook 20.

Now equipped with a refreshed processor – the Intel Core i5-7Y57 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz, the fully rugged Toughbook 20 laptop is more capable than ever before. And with a 256GB SSD standard on all models – and an option to expand to 512GB – users can store more data and access it with the speed they need.

Ad Loading...

“When we introduced the Toughbook 20, we knew it would redefine what people expect from a fully-rugged device. Mobile, powerful and flexible, this was a device that truly reflected how our customers want to work,” said Brian Rowley, VP of marketing and product management, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “Now, with a refreshed processor and even more impressive features, we are excited to show our new and existing customers how the Toughbook 20 will continue to make their jobs simpler and more efficient.”

The revised Toughbook 20 comes standard with Windows 10 Pro, however, Panasonic will continue to offer Windows 7 Professional as an option on models with the Intel Core m5- 6Y57 processor for customers who have not yet made the transition to Windows 10. This ensures compatibility with existing deployments while helping customers plan for a smoother transition to Windows 10.

The improved Toughbook 20 supports an optional second battery that can be inserted into the keyboard to double battery life. Additionally, Toughbook 20 now comes standard with a “bridge battery,” making it possible to hot-swap charged batteries, effectively providing unlimited battery life without the need to shut down or hibernate for our most demanding users.

Toughbook 20 now makes standard several premium features to ensure that customers have the device they need to get the job done. With a growing number of users relying on stylus inputs for signature capture, every Toughbook 20 model is now equipped with not just a touchscreen, but an integrated digitizer as well. Additionally, Toughbook 20 now comes with an infrared webcam and supports Windows Hello applications. Users will enjoy a rear-facing 8MP camera, now standard on all Toughbook 20 models. The Toughbook 20 will also come standard with twice the storage space, using a 256GB SSD drive.

Lastly, a new optional magstripe reader will add a much-requested feature to the Toughbook 20’s toolset. For law enforcement officers, this allows for a quick, in-field reading of driver’s licenses, making their work safer and faster than ever before.

Ad Loading...

Toughbook 20 is ready out-of-the-box to connect to Panasonic’s P.180 connectivity service – a seamless end-to-end platform designed for organizations that rely on connectivity to get work done. Using eSIM technology, Toughbook 20 users can enjoy access to Tier 1 LTE connectivity through networks spanning over 180 countries with pricing predictability and no roaming fees.

Every Toughbook comes with a 3-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed and a 7-year spare parts guarantee, with an average turnaround time of 48 hours once the device is received at the Panasonic National Service Center. Additional upgraded services are available, including Extended Product Warranty (4th/5th year), Protection Plus (Accidental Damage Warranty), and HDD/SSD Warranty.

The latest Toughbook 20 is available from authorized Panasonic resellers at an estimated street price starting around $3,099.

Sales inquiries for Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers and tablets should be directed to  sales.psc@us.panasonic.com  or 877-803-8492.

Ad Loading...

More Technology

SponsoredNovember 3, 2025

Learning How to Manage Your Fleet?

Watch this tutorial on how fleet management platforms work. You’ll see how easily you can integrate fleet telematics, dash cameras, and asset management in a single pane of glass and manage your fleet more effectively.

Read More →
thumbnail from video series From the Show Floor, headline features Semtech.
Technologyby Wayne ParhamOctober 31, 2025

From the Show Floor: Semtech

Learn about the latest ruggedized routers designed for public safety vehicles as POLICE visits with Greg Hill of Semtech. These routers are equipped with the latest 5G technology.

Read More →
patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of three computer screens displaying software soluitions in a trade show booth.
TechnologyOctober 26, 2025

Genetec Showcases Its Latest Public Safety Innovations at IACP 2025

Genetec demonstrated its Cloudrunner, Citigraf, and Clearance during IACP 2025 to show how they can provide law enforcement with a unified situational awareness to make cities safer.

Read More →
Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center
PatrolOctober 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Read More →
Flock Safety Webinar Banner
SponsoredOctober 7, 2025

Beyond the Plate: Real-Time Video Intelligence for Police Operations

Join us for an inside look at how agencies are enhancing frontline decision-making with visual intelligence that goes beyond the plate. This session will show how pairing LPR data with live camera feeds delivers faster, safer, and more coordinated responses—on everything from stolen vehicles to active BOLOs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Forensic investigators documenting a crime scene using 3D scanning technology, with Z3D software displayed on a laptop and a FARO 3D scanner on a tripod.
SponsoredOctober 7, 2025

Beyond the Scene: Next-Gen 3D Forensics

Crime scene documentation demands speed, precision and clarity. Join FARO’s forensic experts to explore how the latest 3D scanning innovations are transforming crime scene analysis. Learn how mobile and stationary 3D scanners streamline workflows, reduce human error and deliver courtroom-ready visuals. Whether you're focused on data integrity, operational efficiency or evidence presentation, this session will show you how to capture, analyze and communicate scene data faster and more accurately than ever before.

Read More →
White City of Tampa police SUV parked on street with palm trees
TechnologySeptember 10, 2025

Tampa Police Department Deploys More Than 950 5G Smartphones

Tampa Police Department has deployed more than 950 5G-enabled smartphones through Verizon Frontline to support its Connected Officer initiative and enhance field communications.

Read More →
Emergency medical technicians reviewing medical equipment inside ambulance
PatrolSeptember 9, 2025

Getac Introduces F120 Rugged Tablet and V120 Rugged Laptop

The new devices feature larger displays, AI-ready processors, and enhanced durability for police and first responders working in demanding environments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Silver police badge with eagle emblem resting on computer keyboard
PatrolSeptember 9, 2025

Montville Police Department Deploys Mark43 to Power Safer, Smarter Policing

The New Jersey agency has adopted Mark43 CAD, RMS, Analytics, and OnScene mobile tools to replace its legacy systems and improve daily operations.

Read More →