Panasonic TOUGHBOOK S1 7.0-in Android™ Rugged Tablet

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SHIPPING AND LEAD-TIMES

PLEASE BE ADVISED:  Panasonic TOUGHBOOK laptops and tablets, accessories and related mounting equipment are enterprise solutions that are typically custom-built to order and thus carry a lead time of anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months. Please note that online orders where expedited shipping is selected do NOT mean that a specific product is in stock and will ship right away. It simply means we will ship via the selected method when the product is available to ship. We can only confirm availability over the phone or online chat.  Availability changes daily if not hourly.  While we do our best to have a wide variety of TOUGHBOOK models and accessories in stock, this particular supply chain is challenging and we ask that customers please confirm availability with us on the phone when time is a priority. Additionally, expedited shipping will not apply to multiple items that might have multiple lead times and ship dates. It is typically applying to the main item of an order. Again, please call us ASAP at 877-532-8088 to discuss urgent needs and expedited shipping.

RETURNS

Due to restrictions set by the manufacturer and their distributors, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK computers and accessories cannot be returned. Customers should refuse delivery of any visibly damaged packages. Any non-visible damage must be reported immediately to MooringTech.com. Defective or malfunctioning units must be handled directly with Panasonic at 1-800-LAPTOP5 (800-527-867). Potential exceptions to this return policy can only be arranged prior to purchasing the product and only with the explicit consent of a sales representative who is firmly aware of all extenuating circumstances. Returns will not be accepted by MooringTech.com without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Returned items lacking an RMA will be refused or sent back to the customer at the customer’s expense. Shipping and handling charges are always non-refundable.  Approved returns will almost always include a 20% restocking fee.  We are not intending to be difficult to work with and value our customer's business.  However, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices, all related accessories, and vehicle mounting solutions are not normal consumer products.  These are custom-built, made-to-order solutions that are NON-RETURNABLE.  Please contact us at 877-532-8088 with any questions or concerns regarding this return policy.

STANDARD WARRANTY

All new Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices sourced from authorized dealers are protected from manufacturing defects for three years. The standard warranty includes a priority parts exchange program and repair service at no cost with overnight shipping to and from Panasonic included. Panasonic’s standard warranty (often referred to as “TOUGHBOOK Preferred”) also includes lifetime technical support directly with Panasonic at 1-800-LAPTOP-5. In addition, TOUGHBOOK end-users have online access to drivers, first-aid disks, BIOS updates, tools, utilities, and manuals.  Panasonic's Standard Manufacturer's Warranty does NOT cover accidental damage of any kind.

ORIGINAL BATTERY WARRANTY

All new batteries, whether included in the original TOUGHBOOK purchase or acquired as an accessory after the fact, are covered under warranty for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Replacement batteries supplied to a customer under warranty are only covered through the end date of the original purchase.

EXTENDED WARRANTY

Extends original standard warranty (minus the battery) through 4 or 5 years.

PROTECTION PLUS

While the standard warranty covers anything that happens to your TOUGHBOOK under normal operations (meaning manufacturer’s defects), it does NOT cover accidental damage of any kind. It is a common misconception that MIL-STD-rated laptops like a Toughbook are warranted for damage within a parameter like a 6ft drop. Meaning if you drop your TOUGHBOOK from 3 feet and it breaks then it is covered by the standard warranty. This is NOT correct. It is impossible for Panasonic to know if it were 3 inches or 3 stories. The only way to be covered from accidental damage is to purchase a Protection Plus or Ultimate Care warranty upgrade. Protection Plus covers one major component failure per year and is limited to one complete device replacement during the warranty period.

ULTIMATE CARE

Ultimate Care is essentially unlimited Protection Plus. This means Panasonic will fix or replace your TOUGHBOOK an unlimited number of times within the upgraded warranty period. It does not apply in the case of natural disasters (think hurricane or fire) as well as theft/loss and intentional damage (you as the customer trying to upgrade an internal component when you shouldn’t). 

 

How long before my FZ-55 order ships?

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK laptops, tablets and handhelds are typically considered enterprise solutions that are built to order and can often carry a 30-60+ day lead-time.  However, we do our best to have a variety of FZ-55's in stock.  Please be sure to call, email or chat with us to confirm what is currently available and what might take time to ship.

Does the screen detach on the TOUGHBOOK 55?

No, the TOUGHBOOK 55 is a traditional clamshell style laptop.  Detachable 2-in-1 alternatives would be the fully-rugged TOUGHBOOK 33 as a larger, heavier option or the fully-rugged TOUGHBOOK 20 as a smaller, more portable option. 

What features or integrated options are user-upgradeable on the TOUGHBOOK 55?

Almost everything!  RAM, SSD options, the keyboard, dedicated graphics, DVD Drive, Blu-ray Drive, smartcard readers and a fingerprint scanner.  #BOOM.  The only features that are NOT user-upgradeable are a 4G LTE modem, dedicated GPS receiver and special no-wireless / no-camera federal models. 

What is a xPAK?

Panasonic calls their Expansion Packs for customizable expansion areas “xPAKs” for short.  This is the genius of the TOUGHBOOK 55 which allows authorized dealers and even end-users to easily customize their solution at the time of purchase and beyond.  xPAKs are either quick-release, meaning they slide in and out at will, or require just a few straight forward screws.  xPAKs can also be locked into place with a screw to either prevent accidental or easy intentional removal if desired. 

What screws are included when purchasing the spare screw pack (FZ-VSW551U)?

There are 9 interchangeable screws that are a mix of silver and black.  xPAKs will come with the proper screws to install initially, but this screw pack can be used as spare screws (in case you lose the original) or the screw necessary to lock a feature into place. 

Are the Solid-State Hard Drives removeable?

Yes, even though the SSDs on the TOUGHBOOK 55 are a m.2 SATA form factor, they reside in a removeable caddie that has a quick release lever.  This is very relevant and important to certain end-users, including Federal or Federal-related customers who require this feature.  As technology evolves to the m.2 SATA form factor and away from a traditional 2.5” SATA design, this innovation is a welcome characteristic of the FZ-55 and clearly the path forward on future devices. 

Is the primary, original battery and optional secondary battery removable?

Yes.  Both batteries are identical and both slots have a quick-release lever and design. 

How long do the batteries last?

A TOUGHBOOK 55 battery offers up to 20 hours of battery life.  Because the TOUGHBOOK 55 can hold (2) of these batteries at once, you can potentially expect up to 40 hours of overall battery life.  These results are based on a universal battery test called MobileMark 2014.  The specific test used is referred to as a Productivity Scenario, which sets the unit on a 150 NIT display brightness, uses Wi-Fi for web browsing and performs basic tasks such as word processing and/or spreadsheet manipulation.  No other features like 4G LTE or dGPS are used and the screen brightness is on the lower end.  Remember that the touchscreen version offers up to a 1000 NIT display for direct sunlight viewing and would certainly affect these results greatly.  In practice, most customers can realistically expect somewhere between 60-90% of this possible battery life claim as most people tend to set a brighter display (on the touchscreen version) and use more resources. 

Why are their two different 8th Gen processors?

In a somewhat confusing move, Intel designates both their “Kaby Lake Refresh” and “Whiskey Lake” processors as 8th Generation.  Whiskey Lake processors are newer, provide improved performance and can unofficially be seen as an 8.5 Gen processor.  Kaby Lake Refresh processors end in a “0” while Whiskey Lake processors end in a “5”.  This is an important detail to know when comparing the TOUGHBOOK 55 to the competition that are only offering either 7^th gen processors or 8^th gen Kaby Lake Refresh processors.  The TOUGHBOOK 55 offers only Whiskey Lake 8^th gen processors! 

What does “vPro” mean?

To a normal consumer, vPro isn’t really relevant.  This feature is typically leveraged by large companies and government agencies to allow IT departments remote management of their deployed computer hardware assets.  It also adds Intel® Hardware Shield. 

How secure is the TOUGHBOOK 55?

Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK 55 offers a huge number of standard and optional security measures for both hardware, software and data integrity.  This includes TPM 2.0, NIST BIOS, Intel vPro™, Intel Hardware Shield, Absolute Persistence® technology embedded in the BIOS, up to 256-bit AES Wi-Fi encryption, optional OPAL encrypted drives, optional insertable, contactless SmartCard CAC and fingerprint readers, and an infrared webcam with Windows Hello for facial recognition.  The TOUGHBOOK 55 can also be equipped with dual storage drives and a special BIOS that can support RAID-1 mirroring for backing up data to both SSDs simultaneously.  Be advised that this is a very special-order option. 

How safe is the TOUGHBOOK 55?

Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK 55 semi-rugged clamshell style laptop provides a fan, specific coloring and magnesium alloy to allow advanced heat dissipation.  Together with Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK Smart Battery Technology, the TOUGHBOOK 55 offers absurd battery life in the safest way possible. 

What is new about the keyboard?

Panasonic has always offered backlit keyboard options for viewing a TOUGHBOOK keyboard in low-light situations.  Now, the TOUGHBOOK 55 allows end-users to select their keyboard color and it is also three-times as bright.  There are a handful of preset color options as well as the ability to custom create your color of choice.  Remember, this is only relevant when attempting to view or use the keyboard in a low light situation such as at night in a vehicle.  The lights behind each key are not really visible during the day or inside with all the lights on.  Also, the TOUGHBOOK 55’s keyboard is slightly wider than its predecessor and the touchpad now offers no seams and is 25% larger. 

Are the speakers decent?

The TOUGHBOOK 55 offers pretty darn good 92db speakers.  This is a significant improvement over previous devices.  For comparison, noise on a busy highway or inside a police vehicle with the sirens on can range between 80-95 db.  Those are VERY loud environments and the TOUGHBOOK 55 speakers can likely still be heard. 

I assume I can use my TOUGHBOOK 54 in the rain, correct?

Well…not really.  Yes, the TOUGHBOOK 55 does up the durability game of a semi-rugged device to IP53.  And yes, that does provide better protection than other devices that are at IP51 or IP52.  And, yes you are correct…there is a cool TOUGHBOOK 55 IP53 splash video out there that demonstrates this feature.  However, true, legitimate use in steady rain is best left to a fully-rugged device like the TOUGHBOOK 33, TOUGHBOOK 20, or TOUGHBOOK G1.  Those devices are IP65 rated and really better suited for prolonged or intentional use outside in rain. 

Does it come with a stylus pen and tether?

Yes!  The touchscreen version of the TOUGHBOOK 54 annoyingly did NOT come with a stylus pen, stylus tether or even a slot for the pen without a special order.  The new TOUGHBOOK 55 touchscreen version will come standard with all of these (the pen, the tether and a slot for the pen).  

If I am a First Responder, can I get access to FirstNet and Band 14?

Yes, the TOUGHBOOK 55 offers an optional 4G LTE (EM7511) modem that is FirstNet Ready and supports Band14. 

Do I have to purchase a new desktop or vehicle dock if I had those for my TOUGHBOOK 54?

No.  The TOUGHBOOK 55 is 100% backwards compatible with TOUGHBOOK 54 desktop docks and vehicle docks from Gamber-Johnson and Havis.  This is also true for the AC Power adapter.