>>Cost Advantages

The quality, durability and reliability of Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers translate into significant financial advantages. In situations that would damage conventional computers, rugged Toughbook computers keep performing. As a result, users eliminate costly repairs or replacements, and avoid wasting time to recover lost work. The bottom-line results are compelling: lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and greater return on investment (ROI) over the computer's useful life.   

Total Cost of Ownership

Downtime and repairs significantly increase the lifetime costs of ordinary laptops. Toughbook mobile computers are engineered to deliver maximum uptime, lowering their total cost of ownership.

When mobile workforces are equipped with mobile computers, employees can be productive anywhere, anytime. But most portable computers are not designed for work outside the office and are at a significantly greater risk of being damaged. Damage can occur in a number of ways: drops, spills, dirt, dust, extreme temperatures and vibration. If a computer fails, there can be significant repercussions. Even a brief period of downtime has a ripple effect that can impact productivity and customer satisfaction.

Most mobile computers are not built with the outside world in mind. In fact, industry research indicates that average annual failure rates are significantly higher for ordinary laptop deployments.* When downtime and repairs are figured into the lifetime costs of ordinary laptops, the ultimate price of those laptops increases substantially.

* Source: Mobility opportunity in Field service environments, market insights & TCO analysis (Venture Development Corporation, 2005)

Not only are the costs of computer failures substantial, but also the negative effects on business processes are often under-reported. While most organizations are cognizant of the direct costs of mobile computer repair, few organizations understand the indirect costs to the IT organization and the opportunity costs to the enterprise.

Designed for unparalleled performance and durability, Panasonic Toughbook computers are the mobile professionals' best defense against downtime and data loss. Toughbook rugged computers are built to withstand drops, liquid spills and falling objects -- the three leading causes of laptop damage. With superior protection for components most prone to damage, Toughbook computers deliver maximum uptime and productivity at a lower total cost of ownership.

PC Magazine, in its July 30, 2008 issue, reported an industry average failure rate of 24.0%. Panasonic's service records (as of June 30, 2008, for units in and out of warranty) showed an average annual failure rate of only 2.43% for Toughbook mobile computers.

A comparison of the data presented in the Venture Development Corporation (VDC) chart below, highlights the difference in reliability between rugged and commercial-grade PCs. In the first 2 years, 33% of commercial-grade units get replaced while almost no rugged-units get replaced. After 3 years, the difference becomes even more pronounced as 80% of commercial-grade units get replaced, while only 15% of rugged units get replaced.

The Venture Data Corporation (VDC) chart above illustrates the difference in total cost of ownership between rugged computers and commercial-grade computers operating in harsh environments over a 5 year period. After 5 years, commercial-grade computers cost 56% more to own and operate than rugged computers due to increased downtime and the need for hardware replacement.

When compared to commercial grade computers, Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers average better than 15% lower total cost of ownership. Over the life of a typical mobile computer, that adds up to savings of hundreds of dollars, plus a better overall user experience.

Return on Investment

In recent years, the functions that mobile computers are required to perform have evolved to mission critical tasks. However, most conventional mobile computers are not designed for heavy outdoor use and often cannot withstand the typical rigours of daily mobile use. With Panasonic Toughbook computers, time isn't wasted transferring data from damaged systems, recovering lost work, hiring expensive IT consultants or replacing failed computers. The lower operating costs and higher productivity afforded by Toughbook rugged computers translate to a higher return on investment (ROI).

The durability of Toughbook mobile computers is the result of engineering rugged features into every seal, hinge, keyboard and connector. Toughbook computers also endure stringent testing procedures, such as Highly Accelerated Life Tests (H.A.L.T.), MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810G. MIL-STD-810G tests, for example, measure for dust, sand, rain, vibration, extreme temperature and moisture resistance, as well as drop shock absorption

Some of the design decisions that go into making Toughbook computers more reliable include:

• Reinforced, integrated antenna retracts into case to protect against damage
• Sealed LCD provides extra protection against moisture and dust
• Internal dampers and seals isolates the LCD from shock, vibration and moisture
• HDD mounted damper polymers helps insulate against sudden blows
• Flexible connectors between the hard drive and system board protects against the transfer of shock from drops and bumps
• Sealed keyboard and touchpad prevents damage from dust and spills
• Environmental seals protect the multimedia pocket, PC card slots and connection terminals from moisture and dust
• Full or partial magnesium alloy casing protects against bumps, drops and knocks

Panasonic understands that ruggedness is only a part of the mobile solution. That is why we designed mobile-specific features into various models to fully meet the needs of the mobile workforce, such as:    

• Daylight-readable screens (up to 1,000 nit) for outdoor use
• Touchscreens for easier navigation of software
• Superior battery life for longer uptimes
• Built-in handle for easier portability, reducing the need for bulky carrying cases
• Replicator ports for docking on a desk or inside a vehicle

By focusing on the needs of mobile users, Panasonic has created a family of Toughbook computers that have the durability, reliability and features to increase user productivity and lower operating costs. As a result, organizations using Toughbook mobile computers achieve a higher return on their investment than organizations using ordinary computers.