Panasonic Toughbook CF-20

Specifications

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Reviews for the Panasonic Toughbook CF-20

70% Panasonic ToughBook CF-20
Source: Gadgetspeak Archive.org version
Having told you about a Panasonic ToughPad now onto the really ‘tough boy’ of the group the ToughBook. This is built to withstand environments that you really should not expect a computer to function in, it has even been launched outside a weather balloon and still worked when it came back to earth.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/07/2017
Rating: Total score: 70% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%

Hands on: Panasonic ToughBook CF-20 review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
Throw in an abundance of ports, a small, yet crisp and bright display and excellent battery runtimes (which could be extended with another battery), and it adds up to make a device that leaves no stone upturned for outdoor workers. It's not perfect though, due to its inevitably cramped keyboard and sticking trackpad, which form two minor blots on an otherwise impressive package.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/27/2016

80% The Toughest 2-in-1
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-20 is truly in a class by itself. No other device comes close to offering this level of certified durability and performance. In fact, the CF-20 is right up there with the latest 2-in-1 offerings from Microsoft and Lenovo. Furthermore, it is clear that Panasonic have market researched the heck out of their target market as the device is loaded with little touches that would only matter to the military personnel, first responders, and contractors who need this level of durability in their portable PC.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/16/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%

Comment

Model: The Panasonic Toughbook CF-20 is a 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid device. The Panasonic's CF-20 is tough enough to prosper in challenging physical environments. There are plenty of mobile professionals (both white and blue collar) who require a robust yet portable computer, and the flexibility of a 2-in-1 hybrid makes sense for this market. As for design, it succeeds the similarly robust CF-19 which is another 10.1-inch computer, but the CF-19 is a convertible (swivelling screen) rather than a hybrid (detachable tablet) device. The CF-20 has the familiar Toughbook look-and-feel. It features a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis is clad in silver-effect plastic on the back of the tablet and the keyboard section's wrist-rest area, with tough black 'bumper car' edging to soften any blows, and house a generous array of ports, slots and connections. The 10.1-inch tablet measures 272 mm wide by 196 mm deep by 16.4 mm thick and weighs 950 g. To put that in perspective, Dell's 10.1-inch Venue Pro, a regular Windows 10 tablet, comes in at 263 x 176 x 9.85 mm and 662 g, so there's clearly a bulk and weight trade-off to make when user buy a rugged device. The keyboard section, which also includes a second battery, adds 37 mm to the system's depth, thanks to a curved section that accommodates a sturdy pull-out carrying handle (which can also be used to hang the computer on a workspace wall). It adds 810 g to the weight, making 1.76 kg overall.

The screen is a 'sunlight-viewable' IPS unit delivering up to 800cd/m² brightness, with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels (224 ppi). It's a capacitive 10-point touchscreen, with a Dual Touch option available that includes an IP55-rated digitizer. Panasonic's PC Settings Utility allows User to select between using both the touch screen and the digitizer, just the touchscreen or just the digitizer. User can also select between regular touchscreen operation and modes suitable for gloved and wet fingers. The CF-20 is a fully rugged device, meeting MIL-STD810G for drop, shock, vibration, explosive atmosphere, temperature, rain and sand. Dust ingress and waterproofing are rated at IP65 level. This indicates that the CF-20 is 'dust tight' and can withstand 'water jets' projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle from any direction. Panasonic has also factory-tested the tablet's ability to survive a 1.2-metre drop onto a concrete surface. The Toughbook CF-20 is powered by a dual-core Intel Core m5-6Y57 processor running at 1.1 GHz (up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost), supported by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal SSD storage. However, neither RAM nor storage are upgradable. Talking of ports, the CF-20 is exceptionally well equipped in this department. The tablet has RJ-45, HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5 mm audio-out and a MicroSD card slot on the left side, and power-in on the right which are all behind lockable covers. The stylus lives on the right side too, and there are Kensington lock slots on both sides. The Toughbook is probably one of the best industrial tablet out there but the m5 processor takes out its performance edge.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Intel HD Graphics 515: Integrated GPU (GT2) with 24 EUs found on Core-m-CPUs of the Skylake generation (4,5 W TDP).

Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

6Y57: Skylake-based ULV dual-core processor for tablets and 2-in-1 notebooks. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 515 GPU and is manufactured in 14 nm.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

10.10":

This is a standard display format for tablet computers or small convertibles. You see more on the screen than on a smartphone but you can't use big resolutions well. On the other hand, mobility is not a problem.

Panasonic: Panasonic Corporation was founded in 1918 in Japan, making it one of the oldest electronics companies (although it started with light bulb sales). The company operates in several business areas, including electronics, home appliances, automotive technology, aerospace, energy, and environmental technology. Panasonic sells televisions, cameras, audio and video equipment, home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, batteries, solar panels and LED lighting worldwide. Panasonic is also a major supplier of components and systems to the automotive industry and has invested in artificial intelligence and robotics in recent years.

75%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices with the same GPU