What is the TOUGHBOOK 55?
The TOUGHBOOK 55 is a 14” semi-rugged laptop engineered to meet demanding work environments. It offers high durability, flexibility, and advanced customization—built for extraordinary performance in tough conditions.
Can I detach the screen?
No. The TOUGHBOOK 55 is a traditional clamshell laptop and does not have a detachable screen. If you’re looking for a detachable 2-in-1 device, consider:
TOUGHBOOK 33 – 12” fully rugged 2-in-1
TOUGHBOOK G2 – 10.1” fully rugged tablet with keyboard option
What components are user-upgradeable?
Several parts of the TOUGHBOOK 55 are user-upgradeable, including:
Memory (RAM)
Storage (SSD) – features a quick-release latch for easy removal
Keyboard
Additionally, it features three modular expansion areas that can support:
Dedicated graphics (dGPU)
Optical drives
Authentication readers
Additional I/O ports
Extra battery
Second SSD
Barcode reader
This modular design makes upgrades simple, reduces downtime, and helps futureproof your investment.
What’s the difference between “expansion areas,” “expansion packs,” and “xPAK’s”?
Expansion areas: The 3 physical slots on the TOUGHBOOK 55 for modular upgrades.
Expansion packs (xPAK’s): The actual components or accessories that fit into the expansion areas.
Can I buy xPAK’s after purchasing the laptop?
Yes. xPAK’s are available both at the time of purchase and separately afterwards. They are designed for easy, tool-free installation in most cases.
Is special training required to remove or install an xPAK?
Not at all. Panasonic designed most xPAK’s with quick-release levers for easy swapping.
Some components, like the Rear Expansion Area, dGPU, and Fingerprint Reader, require a screwdriver and a few screws, but installation is still straightforward.
Can I prevent users from removing the SSD and xPAK’s?
Yes. IT administrators can secure the SSD and xPAK’s by inserting a screw. Panasonic also offers a locking screw kit (SKU: FZ-VSW551U) which includes 14 interchangeable screws (silver and black) for securing various expansion areas and replacing lost screws.
What screws are included in the FZ-VSW551U kit?
The FZ-VSW551U includes 14 interchangeable screws (a mix of silver and black) used for locking down various expansion areas. These can also be used as replacements for screws from the keyboard, dGPU, Fingerprint Reader, and Rear xPAK modules.
Is the SSD removable?
Yes. The TOUGHBOOK 55’s SSD is end-user removable and features a quick-release lever for easy detachment. For additional security, IT departments can use a locking screw (included in the FZ-VSW551U kit) to secure the SSD and prevent accidental removal.
Are the batteries removable?
Yes, both batteries are user-removable with a quick-release lever for tool-free swapping.
What is the battery life? What is MobileMark 2014?
Battery life: Up to 19 hours (standard battery), and up to 38 hours with the optional second battery.
MobileMark 2014: An industry-standard battery test simulating office productivity tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, and email under Wi-Fi, at 150 nits screen brightness (no cellular).
What is a hot-swappable battery?
A hot-swappable battery allows you to swap one of the two batteries (the second battery is optional) without shutting down or suspending the laptop. Both batteries are identical and can be used in either the left or right slot.
What are the differences between TOUGHBOOK 55 mk1 and mk2?
While the mk1 already had class-leading modular design, the mk2 improves on it with:
11th Gen Intel
vPro
processors
Optional Intel Iris Xe Graphics (3x improved benchmarks)
16GB RAM standard (50% faster)
Up to 2TB NVMe SSD (up to 4x faster)
Thunderbolt 4 USB-C with Power Delivery
Faster USB-A (10Gbps), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1
Dual SIM support (1 physical + 1 eSIM)
Band 48 CBRS and OPAL SSD standard
New Barcode Reader xPAK (FZ-VBR551M) – compatible with mk1 and mk2
Do I need new accessories for the mk2 if I already own mk1 accessories?
Most mk1 accessories are compatible with mk2, except:
AMD dGPU (FZ-VGT551W)
RAM (FZ-BAZ19xx)
Main storage drives (FZ-VSDR555xx, FZ-VSDR55T1W)
mk2 requires newer, faster variants for RAM and SSD.
Can I use the new Barcode Reader xPAK with the mk1?
Yes, the FZ-VBR551M Barcode Reader xPAK is compatible with both mk1 and mk2. A software update is required for mk1 units to recognize the new barcode reader.
How do I scan a barcode using the Barcode Reader xPAK?
There is a trigger button on the xPAK. The default behavior keeps the laser active for 8 seconds or until a barcode is scanned—ideal for single-handed operation such as scanning a driver's license.
What is Intel vPro Technology?
Intel vPro offers advanced capabilities like remote management for IT teams and built-in security features, including Intel Hardware Shield.
What is RAID-1 mirroring?
RAID-1 support (requires optional 2nd storage drive + BIOS configuration) allows data to be written to two drives simultaneously, creating a real-time backup for added data protection.
How loud are the speakers?
The TOUGHBOOK 55 features 92dB speakers, loud enough to be heard clearly in environments as loud as police vehicles or busy highways (85–92dB).
What are tetra-array microphones?
The only rugged laptop with four microphones, offering up to 3x better speech recognition accuracy than dual-mic setups—ideal for noisy environments.
What is an infrared webcam and Microsoft Hello?
The IR webcam, combined with Windows Hello, allows for facial recognition or fingerprint login (if fingerprint reader equipped), enabling secure and convenient user authentication.
How many users can be registered with Microsoft Hello facial recognition?
There is no official limit. Panasonic has successfully tested up to 99 users, each requiring a separate Windows account.
What color is the keyboard backlight?
The backlit keyboard offers color customization, including:
2 preset colors
User-defined custom colors
4 brightness levels
Now standard in mk2: an on-screen notification that displays the brightness level.
What is Day/Night Mode vs. Concealed Mode?
Day/Night Mode: Adjusts screen appearance (12 visual modes), keyboard brightness, and reduces eye strain—can be triggered manually or automatically based on time or ambient light.
Concealed Mode: Instantly disables the display, keyboard lights, and audio for discretion, triggered via key combo.
Can I use the Toughbook 55 in the rain?
While not recommended for direct rain exposure, the TOUGHBOOK 55 is IP53-rated, offering better water resistance than IP51 or IP52 models. For harsh wet conditions, Panasonic suggests its fully rugged lineup.
Do any configurations require a bump-out on the bottom?
No. The TOUGHBOOK 55 has a flat bottom on all configurations, unlike the TOUGHBOOK 54 which required bump-outs in certain models.
Can I read/write to the DVD and Blu-ray drives?
Yes. Both drives support read and write functions. Panasonic includes software for media playback and burning. Read-only versions are also available upon request with specific SKUs.
Does it come with a stylus pen and tether?
Yes. Touchscreen models come standard with:
Stylus pen
Tether cord
Stylus holder
Microfiber cleaning cloth
Is it FirstNet Ready / does it support Band 14?
Yes. The TOUGHBOOK 55 offers an optional EM7511 modem that is FirstNet Ready and supports Band 14 for priority public safety communication.
How many SIM slots are there?
Two:
1 physical NanoSIM (4FF)
1 eSIM
What can the Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port do?
The mk2 model’s Thunderbolt 4 port supports:
40 Gbps data transfer
Connecting to monitors and peripherals
Phone charging
PC charging with Power Delivery (PD)
Can I reuse my old docks?
Yes. The TOUGHBOOK 55 is 100% backwards compatible with TOUGHBOOK 54 desktop and vehicle docks from Gamber-Johnson and Havis—saving time and costs.
Can I reuse AC adapters from TOUGHBOOK 54 or TOUGHBOOK 31?
Yes! Old adapters are fully compatible, making the transition easier and more cost-effective.
