5 Must-Have Accessories & Upgrades for Your Panasonic Toughbook

Must-have upgrades:

• RAM: improves processing speed and multitasking capabilities.
• Hard drive: increases storage space for essential files and applications.

Must-have accessories:

• Sierra Wireless Cards: cellular modems for internet connectivity beyond Wi-Fi range.
• Docking accessories: transform your Toughbook into a workstation or in-vehicle mount. There are port replicators, vehicle docks, and desktop docks.
• Keyboards: standard, backlit chiclet, and rubber keyboards for different needs.

The Panasonic Toughbook is legendary for its rugged reliability. It's the go-to laptop for those who work in demanding environments, from construction sites and factory floors to police cars and ambulances. But even the toughest tech can benefit from a little extra muscle.

Today, we’ll explore five must-have Panasonic Toughbook accessories and upgrades that can take your tech to the next level.

But before we dive in, let's quickly establish the difference between upgrades and accessories.

Upgrades vs. Accessories

Upgrades are like adding horsepower to your engine. They improve the core functionalities of your Toughbook, such as its processing speed (RAM) or storage capacity (hard drive). These are essential elements for the computer to run smoothly, and the bigger or faster you go, the better the performance.

Accessories, on the other hand, are more like a fancy sound system for your car. They don't fundamentally change how the computer works, but they enhance your experience and make it easier or more comfortable to use.

Think of them as add-ons that personalize your tech for your specific needs like an external keyboard for your Panasonic Toughpad.

Now that you know the difference, let’s cover the top accessories and upgrades that can optimize your setup for maximum performance.

1. RAM Upgrades

Imagine juggling multiple tasks at once – accessing project documents and communicating with colleagues – all while keeping multiple browser tabs open. That's where RAM (Random Access Memory) comes in. It's your Toughbook's short-term memory, responsible for storing the data your processor needs to access quickly for smooth operation.

Upgrading your RAM is like expanding your workspace, allowing your laptop or Panasonic Toughbook tablet to handle more data at once, significantly boosting its processing speed and multitasking capabilities.

2. Storage Drive Upgrades

A limited hard drive capacity can lead to slow performance, lagging applications, and the dreaded "low storage space" warning. Upgrading to a larger hard drive provides ample space for all your essential files and applications, ensuring smooth operation and allowing you to store more critical data.

When discussing storage and speed options, it's important to acknowledge the evolution that older technologies like SATA HDDs and SSHDs. While they were once prevalent, their usage has dwindled significantly over time. Most units offered in the market today come standard with a SATA SSD or a more advanced alternative.

Just like laptops, tablets like the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 can benefit from a storage upgrade. At Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff (BJCS), we offer a range of SSD upgrades, from 256GB to 2TB, ensuring you have ample space for all your Toughpad’s essential files and applications.

3. Sierra Wireless Cards

The beauty of the Panasonic Toughbook lies in its ability to thrive in any environment. But what if your job takes you beyond the reach of Wi-Fi? That's where Sierra Wireless Cards and mobile data connectivity come to the rescue.

Sierra Wireless Cards are essentially tiny modems that slot into your Toughbook, allowing you to connect to cellular data networks. This means you can stay connected to the internet – and all your crucial data – no matter where the job takes you.

Here's the real kicker: we offer data plans for Sierra Wireless Cards at BJCS. This eliminates the hassle of setting up a separate data plan with a carrier, allowing you to connect to the internet as soon as you get the laptop. Our unlimited data plan is $29.29 a month, and if you opt for the plan with the purchase of one of our rugged computers, the Sierra Wireless Card is included! 

4. Docking Accessories

Sometimes, a little extra functionality can go a long way. Docking accessories transform your rugged laptop or tablet from a powerful mobile device into a full-fledged workstation or a secure in-vehicle mount, depending on your needs.

There are three main types of docking accessories to consider:

1. Port Replicators: These docks provide a multitude of ports, allowing you to connect external monitors, keyboards, printers, and more, all through a single connection to your Toughbook.
2. Vehicle Docks: These secure docks keep your Toughbook within easy reach while providing power and data connectivity. No more fumbling with your Toughbook while driving. Some are even compatible with Lind Adapters, allowing for easy charging on the go. Focus on the road and access the information you need with a glance. Perfect for police officers, firefighters, EMS, and anyone else who works in a car.
3. Desktop Docks: These docks essentially turn your mobile device into a desktop PC. You can add an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor that allow you to create a permanent workstation for tasks that require a more traditional desktop setup.

Get started on your mobile workstation setup with one of our Docking Stations or Port Replicators.

5. Keyboards

Many specialized keyboards offer options to optimize your typing experience for any situation.

• Standard Keyboard: The tried-and-true classic offers reliable and familiar typing experience. It's a perfect choice for those who prioritize functionality and prefer a no-frills approach.
• Backlit Chiclet Keyboard: These have illuminated keys that make typing a breeze, even in poorly lit environments. This is a game-changer for professionals like police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, or anyone who works in dim or unpredictable lighting conditions.
• Rubber Keyboard: For those who work in harsh environments or around liquids, the rubber keyboard is a must-have. These water-resistant and durable keyboards can withstand spills and dust.

Take Your Toughbook to the Next Level

Don't settle for the ordinary when you can have more with Bob Johnson.

Repair: Fill out our Repair Form and we’ll send you an email with shipping instructions. Let us take care of the rest!

Upgrade: Increase your Toughbook's performance with essential accessories and upgrades at Bob Johnson’s Computer Stuff.