If you’re in the market for a Toughbook, you know that it costs more to get the added protection and ruggedness of a Toughbook shell than it does to buy an ordinary laptop.

At OC Rugged Laptops, we sell refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks with the parts, accessories, and vehicle mounts you need to get the job done. Many of our customers use our Toughbooks out in the field, often in harsh operating conditions or treacherous weather.

The benefit of buying used is that you’re going to save a lot of money. But should you consider buying refurbished computers if you’re concerned about performance? Are refurbished Toughbook laptops safe, reliable, and cost-effective?

Let’s take a look at this today on the OC Rugged Laptops Blog.

The Truth About Refurbished Toughbook Laptops

For our customers, the answer to whether it’s worth buying refurbished computers is a definitive yes. Our customers wouldn’t use refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks, especially out in the field, if the machines were not reliable.

Here’s how we make sure you’re getting a machine you can count on:

1. We source high-quality Toughbooks that still have a lot of life left in them. Many of our Toughbooks are military-grade, and the previous end user only got rid of them because new hardware became available—not because the old stuff wore out.
2. We have a meticulous refurbishment process that involves a close physical inspection as well as performance testing on every unit we refurbish. Every faulty part is replaced, and the outer housing is cleaned up, replaced, or repaired to ensure Grade A condition. Inside and out, we refurbish our computers completely.
3. Toughbooks are already built to last—it’s in the name—but we still go the extra mile to make sure that the internal components are properly installed using only top quality major brands.
4. We refurbish every machine to order. You can be assured you’re getting exactly the parts you need.
5. We’re a Microsoft-registered refurbisher, and our process complies with all applicable requirements.

When you’re purchasing a refurbished Toughbook laptop from OC Rugged Laptops, the quality of your equipment is assured. But there are other factors to consider when purchasing a refurbished laptop, and there are plenty of stories out there that may scare consumers away from saving money.

Dispelling Myths About Refurbished Toughbook Laptops

When making choices about buying a refurbished rugged computer, you’ll see plenty of myths circulating about the quality, condition, and performance of refurbished machines. People often assume that, because a product is secondhand, it isn’t as safe or reliable as its brand-new counterpart, which can lead to the question of whether refurbished laptops are even worth buying.

But when you’re trying to outfit a business on a budget or get an affordable device that can help you work effectively in the field, refurbished Toughbook laptops are the way to go.

Myth #1: Refurbished Laptops Have Inferior Hardware

With OC Rugged Laptops, inferior hardware is never an issue. Each of our Panasonic Toughbooks can be customized to suit your needs, with RAM upgrades, touchscreen upgrades, hard drive upgrades, and more. Not satisfied with the base components? Simply choose the features you want or get in contact with us, and we can help you find the perfect hardware to keep your refurbished Panasonic Toughbook in premium condition.

Myth #2: Refurbished Laptops Require Frequent, Extensive Maintenance and Repairs

Our Panasonic Toughbooks undergo a thorough refurbishment process to ensure that you’re getting the best condition and performance for your money. Maintenance needs may come up and repairs may be necessary—as with any piece of equipment—but with our extensive warranty (available for up to 4 years after purchase), you’ll have nothing to worry about. For public safety customers, we even offer zero cost of ownership, meaning that we pay for shipping in both directions if warranty work is required.

Myth #3: Refurbished Laptops Have Voided or Nonexistent Warranties

Length of service life is a key factor in buying refurbished rugged computers. At OC Rugged Laptops, we refurbish our machines with the expectation that the vast majority of them will operate for many years to come, and we offer a minimum 1-year warranty, with the option to extend out to a total of 4 years in the event of any defects in the refurbishment process or the underlying hardware slipping through.

Should You Consider Buying Refurbished Rugged Computers: The Bottom Line

Buying refurbished Toughbook laptops for personal use or for your business is the best way to get a premium-quality, long-lasting piece of hardware without breaking the bank. When purchasing from a Microsoft-registered refurbisher, you can rest assured that your Panasonic Toughbook will meet the highest standards of safety and durability, with Grade A performance and lifetime support.

Find Great Refurbished Toughbooks at Great Prices -- Plus Free Shipping!

So, is buying a refurbished computer worth it? Don’t take our word for it. Look at the thousands of agencies, organizations, companies, and individuals who keep OC Rugged Laptops in business!

Ready to begin researching Toughbooks for your organization? Use our Info Center to find the Toughbook models and configurations that you need for your particular applications or contact us and we’ll be happy to help you out!

There are many reasons why you may need a more durable laptop for your everyday work. Whether you’re in utilities, aviation, law enforcement, or other jobs where you have to be out in the field, rugged laptops have a number of features to make operations much easier. So, how do you know whether you need a fully rugged or semi-rugged laptop? At OC Rugged, we can help you figure out whether getting a laptop that meets the toughest IP, NEMA, and military grading specifications will benefit you most. Read on here to learn about military-grade laptop computers.

Fully Rugged Laptop Specs

All fully rugged and semi-rugged laptops are built to withstand harsh conditions. The main difference between the two is that the fully rugged computer meets more of the military grading and international ratings than a semi-rugged computer does. These laptops were developed to work in any conditions including dusty, humid, and extreme temperature environments. You’ll find that comprehensively rugged laptops even have protections against vibrations, altitude, and the glare of direct sunlight.

These types of computers are for professionals who spend most of their day outside and exposed to the elements, and they must pass all 28 unique durability tests to receive a MIL-STD-810G certification. Just a few of these intensive tests include:

• Shock Testing: can withstand abrupt changes in motion and mechanical shocks
• Humidity Testing: the device can withstand up to 95% relative humidity
• Altitude Testing: continues functioning at 15,000 feet
• Explosive Atmosphere Testing: can operate in the presence of hazardous substances
• Random Mechanical Vibration Testing: withstands the vibration in a commercial vehicle

Semi-Rugged Laptop Specs

While still an incredibly tough military-grade laptop computer, a semi-rugged device is somewhere in between a conventional laptop and a fully rugged laptop. These can survive drops and harsh temperatures, but aren't rated for the most extreme elements. A semi-rugged laptop is also generally spill-proof, but dust and other small particulates can still get in and damage internal components.

What’s Right for You

If you aren’t sure which style of computer you need, it’s always better to choose the more ruggedized version to ensure that you can keep going in spite of anything that comes your way. In our collection of Panasonic Toughbooks, you’ll find a number of fully rugged laptop options that meet all military standards as well as the rating requirements set by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

At OC Rugged, we believe that you know your job and what your team needs best. But if you need a little extra guidance, our team is always here to help. Let us know what field you’re in and what your computers need to be able to withstand, and we’ll recommend the best option for you. Reach out to us today to speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives.

You work in the field, many times under intensive conditions, and you want to be able to trust your computer. If you’re wondering whether a Panasonic Toughbook computer is the right choice for you, OC Rugged can help you decide.

When it comes to the variety of rugged, durable, lightweight laptops available to those who have to work while battling the elements, there is no better choice than the Toughbook. If a regular laptop is a car, then a Toughbook is a tank. You already know that laptops can be damaged by falls, bumps, and exposure to the elements, so what makes Panasonic Toughbook computers so much better? Find out how tough Toughbooks really are as you read on.

How Are Panasonic Toughbook Computers Rated?

Panasonic puts its computers through all the testing and certification they can to ensure the most durable, lightweight laptops possible. These tests include IP and NEMA ratings as well as MIL-STD-810G certification.

IP Ratings

IP ratings are the international standards that are used to define the durability of electronic devices. They include ratings for moisture, dirt, dust, and other particulates. Every IP rating has two numbers. The first number corresponds to the level of protection a computer has against moving parts and foreign bodies, while the second number refers to the device’s level of protection against moisture.

Most Panasonic Toughbook computers are rated at IP65 which means they have the highest rating for particle protection and the third highest rating for moisture penetration.

NEMA Ratings

NEMA ratings refer to the grading system set forth by the National Electrical Manufacturer Association. Their rating system is very similar to IP ratings and their tests measure the same types of durability standards. With 13 NEMA ratings, the higher the number, the tougher the laptop. While a NEMA 1 is rated for general indoor purposes, NEMA 13 signifies the highest level of indoor industrial protection.

Many NEMA ratings correspond to an IP rating, so the Toughbooks IP65 rating translates to the highest possible NEMA rating, a 13.

MIL-STD Testing

MIL-STD-810 standards are those established by the American Military as meeting their needs in the field. These tests encompass environmental conditions, hazardous materials, and mechanical motion resistance to withstand the dangers of an unpredictable warzone. Any devices that are being used by the military must meet these standards or the Department of Defense won’t approve their purchase.

This testing method is much more flexible than international standards because there are no clearly defined or strict parameter settings. Panasonic Toughbook computers meet and exceed MIL-STD-810 expectations to survive drops and shocks as well as liquid, pressure, and temperature.

Examples of Toughbook Testing

Whether it’s NEMA and IP ratings or MIL-STD-810 certifications, many of the tests Panasonic Toughbook computers undergo are very similar. Some examples of these include:

• Drop & Shock Testing: A computer must survive being dropped from a one-foot height onto its edge, face, and corners 26 times. Higher-rated Toughbooks survive a similar test that drops them 78 times from between a four to six foot height.
• Liquid Resistance Testing: A computer must withstand everything from spills to heavy rain. The most rugged Panasonic computers are left operating for 30 minutes in a simulated downpour with winds up to 70 MPH.
• Pressure Testing: The computer’s case must hold out under 300 pounds of pressure across the surface. It must also maintain its functionality at increasingly high altitudes up to 15,000 feet for one hour.
• Vibration Testing: This simulates the vibrations a Panasonic Toughbook computer may encounter in the real world. The computer must be able to smoothly play a video while being shaken to ensure the hard drive meets vibration resistance standards.
• Humidity Testing: Toughbooks must withstand atmosphere humidity up to 95%, but they also need to continue functioning in abrupt temperature changes. This test moves the device from simulated tropical environments to arctic conditions rapidly for humidity, moisture, and extreme temperature testing.
• Temperature Testing: While the humidity test does overlap with the temperature testing, this test takes everything a step further. A Toughbook must be able to continue running between the temperatures of 140°F and -20°F. When turned off, the computer must survive 160°F as well as -60°F.

Toughbooks at OC Rugged

If you’re looking for durable, lightweight laptops, Panasonic Toughbook computers are a solid choice. They consistently outperform other computers in testing and in the real world, which makes them one of the most popular choices for industries ranging from aviation and utilities to law enforcement and construction.

At OC Rugged, we offer companies amazing deals on refurbished Toughbooks to ensure they get the hardy computers they need without having to pay full price. Our refurbishing methods guarantee the performance and quality of these computers through stringent quality standards, exhaustive inspections, and brand new component replacements.

Ready to Buy?

When you choose Panasonic Toughbook computers from OC Rugged, not only are you getting some of the most durable, lightweight laptops in the world, you’re also getting outstanding customer service and a satisfaction guarantee. We will be here to support you throughout the entire lifetime of your computers. Our help center features 24/7 tech support to ensure that your operation is always running smoothly.

Ready to outfit your team with top quality devices? Explore our inventory, vehicle mounts, and accessories to find computers and more that deliver peak performance. If you have questions about specifications and other details, call our customer service representatives. Looking for a quote for a bulk order? Fill out your details in this online form to get a quick answer from our team. Whatever you need, get in touch with our team any time to get started.

Today on the OC Rugged Laptops Blog, we are looking at the differences between the CF-19 Toughbook and the CF-19 Core i5 Toughbook.

What Is the CF-19 Panasonic Toughbook?

The CF-19 Series was one of Panasonic’s earliest “fully rugged” Toughbook designs, meaning it was built to military-grade specifications. All CF-19 models provide excellent durability and:

• Protection from elements like heat, humidity, and vibration
• Protection from spills, salt penetration, and rain or snow
• Protection from being dropped or roughly handled
• Protection from sudden pressure changes or explosions

Toughbooks are great for use in the field, at factories and other working facilities, and in vehicles!

All CF-19 Panasonic Toughbooks function either as a laptop or as a tablet. The screen swivels for your convenience, and to use the tablet mode simply fold the screen all the way down.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the CF-19 and CF-19 Core i5

For the full list of technical specifications, including all the details, check out our official product pages for the  CF-19 Panasonic Toughbook and the CF-19 Core i5 Panasonic Toughbook. Here are some of the key differences in a nutshell:

These are just the base specs. Most of the components on our Toughbooks can be upgraded to meet your needs!

Get Affordable, Customized CF-19 Panasonic Toughbooks at OC Rugged Laptops

Toughbooks are built to last. That means you can get a great deal on a high-quality piece of hardware by buying a refurbished Toughbook.

At  OC Rugged Laptops, we purchase Toughbooks that are in great shape and refurbish them, selling them to our customers at much lower prices than their brand new counterparts. If your agency or company has a tight budget for upgrading technology, buying refurbished can make all the difference when it comes to being able to procure the computers you need when you need them.

We also offer customization on our CF-19 Panasonic Toughbooks and all our other Toughbooks. Want more processing power, better RAM? We have multiple upgrade options to choose from on over a dozen different components. This way, you’re only paying for the hardware that you actually need.

Need More Info? Ready to Buy? Get Started Here!

For more information on our CF-19 Panasonic Toughbooks and all our other Panasonic Toughbook models, check out our  Info Center, read more articles like this one at the OC Rugged Laptops Blog, or contact our customer service team with your questions or issues.

Ready to buy? Begin customizing your  Toughbook 19 or Toughbook 19 Core i5, or explore our Full Selection of Toughbooks to see other models. Checkout is a breeze, and we offer free shipping and no-hassle returns.

• Don’t forget to check out our Rugged Accessories for peripherals, cables, and more.
• Working in the field? Check out our Vehicle Mounting Solutions!

Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Laptop to a Toughbook

Sometimes we’re asked: “What are Toughbooks used for?” The answer is bigger than you might think:

• Emergency first responders
• Healthcare professionals in the field
• Government agencies and utilities
• Towing companies
• Mechanic garages and workshops
• Construction projects
• Heavy industry

That’s just to name a few of our typical customers! The list goes on and on, from gamers to mudders and hunters to fishing boats on the open sea.

There are all kinds of situations where it makes sense to go with a refurbished Panasonic Toughbook by OC Rugged Laptops. Here is our list of The Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Laptop to a Toughbook.

1. Extra Protection Against Accidental Damage

What are Toughbooks used for? First and foremost, they are used for mobile computing, away from a typical office setting. People use Toughbooks in their vehicles, at factories, in warehouses, and other hazardous places.

Mobile computing devices such as laptops and tablets are much more susceptible to situational damage than their counterparts sitting in a comfy office. Toughbooks are heavily insulated against damage from accidents like spilled drinks, sudden drops, and other common hazards out in the field.

2. Operating in Harsh Environments

When people ask us what Toughbooks are used for, we often tell them that it’s all about the operating environment. Here are some of the things that can kill a laptop’s lifespan:

• Extreme heat (e.g., inside parked cars)
• Extreme cold
• Direct sunlight
• Tropical humidity
• Salty marine air
• Frequent vibrations
• Sudden pressure bursts

Toughbooks are built rugged, able to resist all of the above environmental hazards. Some of our most popular models, like the Toughbook 31 and the Toughbook 19, are even built “fully” rugged, to military-grade specifications, capable of operating in the most difficult environments.

3. Durability Against Heavy Wear & Tear

What are Toughbooks used for? Durability. People out in the field or in other hazardous operating environments tend to be physically harder on their computers than people in a safe office setting. There’s often very little finesse or delicacy when it comes to typing, adjusting the screen, plugging in cables, etc.

Toughbooks stand up to the punishment, leading to a much longer service life.

4. Continuity of Operations

Continuity is another angle when thinking about the question of what Toughbooks are used for.

If you or a colleague are out in the field doing important work, the last thing you want is for those operations to grind to a halt due to computer failure. This is especially important in first responder situations as well as in industrial situations where computer failure could lead to costly and time-consuming production delays.

5. Affordability Through the Refurbishment of High-Quality Devices

What are Toughbooks used for? Saving money. At least, that’s the case when you buy refurbished here at OC Rugged Laptops.

To keep it simple: high-quality products tend to have a longer service life, and what makes a Panasonic Toughbook so rugged is mainly the outer case. With a few exceptions, the actual electronic components are mostly what you would find in any top-quality computer.

At OC Rugged Laptops, what we do is procure Toughbooks that are in great condition, refurbish them, and then sell them at a much more affordable price than their brand new counterparts. This is a lifesaver for any agency or company operating on a tight budget for technology upgrades. By going with OC Rugged Laptops, you can cost-effectively upgrade your entire computer fleet.

• Best of all, you can customize your Toughbooks. Want more computing power or a bigger hard drive? Not a problem. Just pick out your specifications on the product page.

That’s What Toughbooks Are Used For

Get started upgrading your laptops today: Customize your new Toughbooks at OC Rugged Laptops. Also, be sure to check out our rugged accessories, and our vehicle mounting solutions. We have free shipping on all orders!

For more information, check out our Info Center, read more articles like this one at the OC Rugged Laptops Blog, or contact our customer service team.

Finding affordable work laptops is a constant struggle in public service organizations. Thankfully, the pace of innovation in computers has slowed down since the 1990s and 2000s, and most of us don’t need to replace our computers as often as we did in the past. But they do eventually still need to be replaced. Old computers slow down, or fail, or just don’t have the processing power or RAM to handle modern software applications, web browsers, and security protocols.

When it comes time to upgrade, there are two main things to look at when you’re researching affordable work laptops: affordability, of course, but also reliability. Let’s look at both of these today in the OC Rugged Laptops Blog.

3 Ways to Save Money on Laptops

Public service organizations have to be savvy with their limited budgets. There are three common ways to save money on laptops: going cheap, going for longevity, and going refurbished. Refurbishment stands head and shoulders above the other two. Here’s why:

1. Cheaper Hardware & Fewer Options

Affordable work laptops can come in different forms. The most obvious choice is to buy new and simply choose less expensive hardware and fewer add-on options.

But there’s a tradeoff here: Business machines are not overbuilt like, say, gaming or CAD computers are. They have modest hardware specs to begin with. So if you choose hardware that’s even cheaper, you will run into issues of slow performance, disk storage limitations, and, most seriously, early obsolescence.

2. Longer Service Life

If you take this idea in the other direction and think about deferred obsolescence, that’s actually the second way to save money on laptops: Affordable work laptops can be more expensive per unit yet still cheaper in the long run provided that they last a long time. This way you’re saving money down the road by putting off the day when you need to replace your machines.

Unfortunately, this method also has a problem: higher purchasing costs up-front. By getting better computers, the price can rise very fast.

3. Going with Refurbished Machines

That brings us to the third option for procuring affordable work laptops: buying refurbished machines. With refurbished units, you can save a serious amount of money for any given hardware configuration.

If you’re on a limited budget for IT upgrades, or if you just want to be smart with your purchasing dollars, then refurbished laptops are the way to go—provided that you buy from a reputable refurbisher.

The Perfect Laptops for Public Service

At OC Rugged Laptops, that’s exactly what we do. Our refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks are the perfect affordable work laptops for public service organizations because they offer such a strong value. That’s why we exist! Many public agencies and organizations find themselves in the position of needing to upgrade their computers but not having the budget to go buy whatever they want.

Refurbished devices offer the utility and computing power you need, at a price point you can justify. They’re not glitzy or glamorous, but they are reliable, durable, practical, and are the perfect solution for requisitioning affordable work laptops for your agency.

Reliability Depends Heavily on Ruggedness

After affordability, the other major factor to consider is reliability. Nowadays, our manufacturing technologies are much better than they were before. Parts don’t fail as commonly as they used to. But what hasn’t changed is the risk of damage from the outside. Some common examples include:

• Spilled drinks
• High humidity
• Unexpected drops
• Damaging vibrations
• Overheating
• Direct sunlight

Even in an office setting, it’s easy to accidentally damage a computer—particularly a laptop computer, which has a more vulnerable design.

Rugged laptops are more reliable, and, once again, this plays into our specialty. The Panasonic Toughbooks we sell, like our bestselling Toughbook 31, are extremely durable and resilient, capable of handling all of the hazards we just mentioned as well as many others. They are actually military-grade. They don’t give up easily!

Get Amazing Customer Service and Customized Orders at OC Rugged Laptops

At OC Rugged Laptops, the centerpiece of our business is the amazing customer service team we maintain. We are here to answer all your product and customization questions, and we’ll help you find the most affordable work laptops that will get the job done. It would be our honor to earn your repeat business in the future, so we want to make your purchasing process as clear and satisfying as possible.

We are also a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, and are able to pre-install Windows and MS productivity software onto your machines before we ship them out. It’s just one of the many ways we are able to serve you.

Contact our customer service team to get started, or visit our Info Center to help you find the right affordable work laptops for your needs! Also, be sure to check out our Blog for more helpful articles like this one!

When it comes to technology, IP is short for Ingress Protection. It refers to international standards created by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). What IP standards are meant to do is clarify the capabilities of technology like phones, laptops, and tablets in a regulated way to ensure more accurate product descriptions and fairer marketing practices. Instead of different brands claiming their products are resistant or immune to the elements without any backup, they have to have clear definitions with Ingress Protection Ratings.

So what is the meaning of the IP ratings you see on the back of your computer or the spec sheet of your phone? Read on here to learn more today.

The Ingress Protection Rating Scale

Each IP rating consists of two numbers: the first refers to a product’s protection level against solids and the second against liquids. The ratings go from zero through six for solids and zero through eight for liquids. Very rarely you may see a third number that refers to the product’s impact resistance.

Whatever the rating is for your piece of technology, international standards prefer to refer to everything as resistant to a particular element because they don’t believe anything is dust-proof or water-proof forever.

Ingress Protection Rating Breakdown

Here are the two charts that define each number’s meaning in the IP rating:

Solids (Dust/Dirt)

Water

If any of the numerals is marked with an X in one of the spots, this also stands as a zero for resistance to that material.

While all of these tests are conducted in laboratory conditions, they can pretty accurately predict a device’s performance in the real world. Just keep in mind that factors like the presence of saltwater or chlorine can change the resistance of a product. Always stay on the safe side when using your devices, regardless of their Ingress Protection Rating.

What About Drop Protection?

No manufacturer in the United States uses Ingress Protection Ratings that cover drop protection. Instead, they choose to use the Military Standard, also known as MIL-SPEC. There are MIL-SPEC certifications that deal with everything from extreme temperatures and fungus to acid and vibration.

Ruggedized Devices

There are a number of industries that require extremely rugged equipment to ensure they remain fully operational at all times. Police, utilities, aviation, military, and more all need devices with very high Ingress Protection Ratings. Discover durable, international rating and certified computers and accessories at OC Rugged today.

In your industry, you may need an ultra-rugged computer that can handle anything the job throws at you. With Panasonic Toughbooks, you can count on their durability and reliability in industries that range from aviation to policing. You might assume that Panasonic Toughbooks are strictly for military use, but there is a wide variety of civilian positions that can benefit from the additional protection and resistance of these computers.

At OC Rugged, we carry some of the most popular Toughbook series and we can help you choose the right Toughbook computer for your work. Learn more about IP ratings and MIL-SPEC certifications for each of the top laptops in our store.

1. Toughbook 31

One of the most durable laptops currently on the market, the Toughbook 31-series comes in a standard option or completely maxed out. The Toughbook 31 MAX has an extra 4GB of RAM as well as an SSD instead of an HDD. If you need a fast computer that reacts at top speed, the MAX may be the right choice for you. Both the standard and MAX series have the same durability features including MIL-STD-810G certification, an Ingress Protection Rating of IP65, and a shock-mounted, quick-release drive. If you work in aviation or firefighting, this is a great choice for a computer for work.

2. Toughbook 53

The Toughbook CF-53 is a premium choice for those who work in trucking or warehousing. The shock-resistant drive housing and magnesium casing protect your computer from everything including vibrations, scratches, drops, and other accidents you may experience with your laptop mounted at your side. You can drive along bumpy roads or scrape your way through narrow storage aisles with ease. This rugged laptop also has an IP65 rating against dust and liquids as well as military-grade drop certification.

3. Toughbook 19

Do you have a job with a tough commute or one that requires frequent travel? Getting a protective case or bag for your laptop is the first step toward ensuring your device is always protected, but OC Rugged can do you one better. We offer the Toughbook 19 series for field research, construction, and other travel-heavy civilian positions.

The Toughbook 19 features IP 65 ratings as well as MIL-STD-810G certification to guarantee its resistance through tough weather, shocks, vibration, dust, and water. It also has a full magnesium alloy case and a shock-mounted, quick-release drive mount. Enjoy lifetime tech support on this computer for work when you shop OC Rugged today.

4. Toughbook 30

Another of our most durable laptops is the Toughbook 30. Many people who work in utilities prefer the 30-series because of the extra protection it offers. In addition to IP 65 and MIL-SPEC ratings and certifications, this laptop has also undergone additional drop testing and rigorous substance testing to pass NEMA requirements. It is certified resistant to dust, rain, extreme temperatures, and a number of other hazardous substances. An ultra-tough and rugged choice, we recommend this computer for work in the military, policing, aviation, and public works.

Shop Toughbooks at OC Rugged

Have you made your choice about the best Toughbook computer for your work? OC Rugged offers you two great incentives to buy your laptops with us — low prices on refurbished computers as well as lifetime tech support for all your needs. When you shop with us, we even provide one to two-year warranties on all of our products. Get the toughest laptop computer for your work and a dedicated team of specialists to back you up all in one place: OC Rugged.

Law enforcement officials have a tough job. They need to deal with some of the most aggressive working conditions outside of the military — staying on the job in extreme weather, chasing suspects on foot and in their vehicles, and protecting the public from violence. Your mobile data terminal (MDT) is your connection to your precinct and one of the most important tools in your vehicle, so a standard MDT just doesn’t cut it.

When it comes to the most durable and reliable equipment for your job, you want technology that won’t fail or glitch during times of crisis. To ensure the utility of your police car laptop, you need something built with the most rugged materials. It needs to be tested under the same difficult conditions that you face on the job including vibrations, jolts, moisture, and high heat. As a law enforcement officer that relies on an MDT for your work, you should be working with a Panasonic computer. Browse some of the most popular Toughbooks for police at OC Rugged today.

1. Toughbook 31

An ideal police Toughbook, the Toughbook 31-series is available in two configurations: the standard and the MAX. With four additional gigs of RAM and a solid-state drive instead of an HDD, when you choose the MAX, you get a faster police car laptop that reacts at top speed at all times.

The MAX series and the standard configuration are both rigorously tested through international and domestic military-grade certifications including the Ingress Protection Rating and MIL-STD-810G. These computers are rated to be completely resistant to dust as well as powerful jets of water under international standards. The military rating also guarantees resistance to shocks, high altitudes, moisture, random vibrations, and exposure to hazardous substances.

2. Toughbook 53

With similar specs to the Toughbook 31, the 53-series also offers you versatile configuration options for a custom police car laptop. Before you mount this laptop in your vehicle, decide if you want to upgrade with touchscreen capability, include additional RAM, use a backlit keyboard, add smartcard readers, enhance your vehicle power adapter, and even access a 4G network from any one of multiple providers. This laptop also has shock-resistant drive housing and magnesium casing to protect your computer from scratches, vibrations, and shocks on the road. This is truly a rugged laptop that delivers reliable performance under any circumstances.

3. Toughbook 19

Able to withstand conditions that would destroy other laptops, the Toughbook 19 is one of the top choices for workers in civilian positions who encounter hazardous work environments. This is a laptop that’s popular among utility workers, construction workers, truckers, aviation technicians, and many more who work in the field. It’s also a great choice as a police car laptop and offers slightly more affordability than many of the other Panasonic models.

The basic model comes with an Intel Core Duo and an HDD and the upgraded version is available with an Intel Core i5 as well as an SSD for faster processing. It’s IP65 rated and MIL-STD-810G certified, and OC Rugged even offers a 1-year replacement warranty along with lifetime tech support.

4. Toughbook 30

Our final recommendation for a police car laptop is the Toughbook 30. It offers even more protection than other models with intensive testing to pass NEMA requirements in addition to IP65 and MIL-SPEC testing. Certified for extreme weather and temperatures, you can use this ultra-tough computer in nearly any environment from flooding and earthquakes to vehicle pursuits and heavy gunfire.

Shop for Police at OC Rugged

OC Rugged offers you a refurbished version of all of these toughbooks to help your department outfit your team while saving a lot of money. We meet all of Microsoft’s stringent refurbishing standards and exceed them with our own quality testing. Warranties and tech support are available on all models to ensure their reliability and performance.

Ready to order police car laptops from OC Rugged? Reach out to us to place an order.

Sometimes a standard laptop isn’t enough. If you take your laptop on the road, use it for construction, or work in an industrial environment, you need a rugged laptop computer that can withstand all the unpredictabilities of your business.

How to Choose a Laptop Computer for Rugged Environments

When shopping for a rugged laptop computer, the following qualities are essential:

• A Metal-Based Construction—Most standard laptops are made of plastic; a rugged laptop will feature metal casing.
• MIL-STD Certification—A rugged laptop should meet military standards of toughness. A MIL-STD-810F or MIL-STD-810G certification is ideal.
• An IP or NEMA Rating—The Ingress Protection and National Electrical Manufacturer Association standards are designed to rate a device’s resilience against penetration from dust, water, and other foreign contaminants. Learn more about IP and NEMA ratings.
• A Sealed, All-Weather Design—Ensure that your laptop is suitable for all types of climate and environmental conditions.
• A Warranty—A warranty serves as an extra measure of security and assurance.

And while the build is important, you also want to ensure that your rugged laptop computer has all the functional features you need in a device. You’ll need at least a dual-core (preferably a quad-core) processor, plenty of memory, an excellent antivirus solution, and enough hard drive space to meet your needs.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rugged Laptop Computer

1. Avoid major consumer electronics stores. In most cases, you’ll find the same flimsy laptops from the same big-name manufacturers. If you want to find a rugged laptop, you’ll typically need to expand your search online or visit a specialty store.
2. Always read the specs carefully. Make sure the device meets the quality standards noted above.
3. Look specifically for the MIL-STD and IP ratings. Don’t simply take a manufacturer’s word for it if they use terms like “drop-resistant” or “moisture-resistant.” A truly rugged laptop will have the certification to prove it.
4. Compare online reviews. Don’t just look at reviews on the manufacturer’s own website, as these may be curated to make a positive impression. Always seek out third-party sources to see what real buyers are saying.
5. Stick with Panasonic Toughbooks. They’re simply the most rugged laptops on the market, and no other device comes close.

Why Panasonic Toughbooks Are the Ultimate Rugged Laptop Computers

The Panasonic Toughbook is the only mobile device on the market approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use. That should tell you everything you need to know.

Consider, for example, the state-of-the-art Toughbook CF-31. Built with a rock-solid magnesium alloy case, it meets both MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards. Simply put, it’s one of the toughest laptops ever built. And with its Core-i5 processor and 4GB of DDRIII RAM, it doesn’t skimp on power and speed.

If you’re looking for something more cost-effective but with a similarly solid build, you might love the Toughbook CF-19. It features the same type of magnesium alloy casing and meets MIL-STD-810F standards of ruggedness. Inside, you get a 1.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of DDRII RAM. This rugged laptop computer also has a rotatable touchscreen for added convenience.

Order Your Rugged Laptop Computer

The only remaining question is how to choose a rugged laptop computer that’s actually affordable. Toughbooks are amazing, but they can come with a steep price tag—often in excess of $3,000. They can also be difficult to find in the civilian market. But thankfully there’s a solution to both problems: Refurbished Toughbooks.

Refurbished Toughbooks cost a fraction of what you’d pay for a new rugged laptop computer (often as little as $300 to $500), and they’re fully customizable. If you need a bigger hard drive, a more powerful processor, or some extra memory, you can build your perfect device before even placing your order.

A refurbished Toughbook works just like new—as long as you purchase from a reputable provider. OC Rugged is a Microsoft Registered refurbisher, and all of our devices are meticulously restored to factory condition. We exceed Microsoft’s own stringent standards to ensure that your laptop never lets you down when you need it. When we refurbish a Toughbook:

• We conduct a thorough physical examination and replace any components with cosmetic damage.
• We test every feature and every peripheral, replacing all hardware components that don’t function like new.
• We install a fresh operating system; when you turn on your laptop for the first time, it feels like starting up a brand-new device.
• We protect your investment with a warranty. In the unlikely event that there’s an unexpected problem with your new laptop, we’ll take care of the repairs or replacement.

If you’d like to place an order, we invite you to explore our full inventory. See for yourself why the Panasonic Toughbook is synonymous with rugged devices.