Getac vs. Toughbook: The Pros and Cons

Posted by Bob Johnson on 11th Sep 2023

When it comes to military personnel traversing treacherous terrains or emergency responders working in adverse conditions, rugged laptops serve as lifelines rather than mere devices. Finding the right type, model, or brand for you or your team is non-negotiable.

Enter the fully rugged computer conundrum: Getac vs. Toughbook. These are two of the most reputable rugged laptop brands on the market. In this article, we’re diving deep into their pros, cons, and differences to help you find your perfect robust sidekick.

Getac vs. Panasonic Toughbook

Both Getac and Panasonic Toughbook have carved their niches when it comes to rugged laptops. But if you find yourself at a crossroads, we’re here to help. Let’s review a rundown of their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide what’s best for your application.

Panasonic Toughbooks

Panasonic rugged computers are one of our Bob Johnson’s bestsellers. Called the “Gold Standard” of rugged laptops, customers are drawn to their military-grade durability and cutting-edge technology. They also provide specialized features tailored to the most labor-intensive industry sectors.

Pros: Panasonic Toughbook laptops are the benchmark in rugged computing — and you don’t have to take our word for it. “Panasonic rugged” searches have consistently outperformed “Getac rugged” searches in the last five years. People with rugged jobs recognize its lightweight frame and performance thanks to extended battery and storage options. The storage capabilities of Toughbooks and Toughpads start out with a 256 GB SSD and can go up to 2TB They also have the newest technology options, like the Rugged CF-33 which features a tablet to laptop functionality.
Cons: Despite their excellence, Panasonic comes at a higher purchase price than Getac. Even the repair services may be more expensive given its advanced specs and specialized impact-resistant components. But we like to think we help with budgetary needs with our selection of Refurbished Panasonic Toughbooks. Plus, when it's cutting-edge technology built to last, a few extra bucks is a small price to pay for excellence.

Getac Rugged Laptops

Getac is blazing a trail in the industry by combining innovation, competitive pricing, and rugged reliability. So much so, that the U.S. Air Force crowned them the "Trusted Rugged Manufacturer for QEB" in 2021.

Pros: Getac presents a cost-effective substitute to Panasonic, dishing out the same rugged experience without skimping on quality. Plus, we also offer Refurbished Getacs which means you get an even better deal on pricing! It also features large display screen sizes, a larger mousepad, and a backlit keyboard that feels more responsive than Panasonic’s. It's safe to say, Getac has secured a top spot on our list of rugged customer favorites.
Cons: Getac laptops do not offer a hybrid style laptop to tablet design. It may be a drawback if you require a versatile tablet mode for on the go tasks. Getac’s tend to be on the heavier side vs the lighter Toughbook models.

Getac vs. Toughbook: Differences

Still can’t decide between Getac or Toughbook? You can make a more informed choice by considering your specific needs in terms of ruggedness, performance, and pricing.

Police officer working on laptop

Ruggedness

Both Getac and Toughbook adhere to the same MIL-STD-810F certifications. Meaning, they’ve undergone rigorous testing to meet the U.S. Department of Defense standards for environmental resilience and durability.

We all know Panasonic is top-tier in ruggedness, but Getac looks tougher at first glance. (They both feature magnesium alloy chassis for structural integrity). Only minor features differ.

Models like the Toughbook CF-31 have flexible hinge covers. On the other hand, the Getac B300 features little doors with hinges for extra protection against the elements.

Storage and Memory

Toughbook and Getac laptops utilize up to Intel Core i7 processors and have identical RAM capacity. They have essential ports for flexible connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, and SIM card slots. Both Panasonic and Getac incorporate SSD storage into their models. In fact, all Toughbook and Getac laptops can handle up to 2 terabyte SSDs.

Battery Life Performance

Check your specific model for battery life metrics. For example the Getac S410 offers 10 hours of battery life while Toughbook 33 covers up to 8+ hours.

You can extend the battery performance of both brands as well, as both Toughbooks and Getac offer extended batteries for uninterrupted, resource-intensive tasks. With the secondary battery you can more than double the performance of battery life.

Pricing

Getac is a low-cost option for those looking to upgrade their commercial-grade laptops without breaking the bank. Prices for the Getac S410 Laptop with Intel Core i7 costs up to $899.27 if you’re after power, or check out the Getac F110 G2 Tablet at $699 for affordable, easy, rugged convenience.

For Panasonic Toughbook, entry starts at $349.27 with the Toughbook CF-31 MK2 Intel Core i3. The Toughbook CF-33 Intel Core i5 with Extended Batteries is a premium option that costs up to $1,299.27.

Take a moment to evaluate your working environment. Carefully consider your performance requirements, and establish a reasonable budget. Armed with this information, you can confidently choose the perfect device to meet your rugged computing needs.

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts can be found for most Getac and Panasonic models, which can help extend the life of your expensive laptop selection.

The rugged aspect of both laptops helps ensure the longevity of your computer no matter the use, but you want to make sure it will last and replacement parts can help. While it has traditionally be difficult to find replacement parts of any rugged laptop (or rugged tablets) we stock a wide range of replacement parts for both brands. The Getac replacement parts coming in a little less expensive than the Panasonic Toughbook replacement parts.

Browse Our Getac & Toughbook Collection

Whether you’re Team Getac or Team Toughbook, we’ve got an abundance of models waiting for you here. Within our vast array, you're bound to discover the perfect rugged laptop. If you are looking for a more specific compare and contrast of Getac Model vs a Panasonic Model, check out some of our hands on videos:

Our inventory is stocked with both new and refurbished devices, providing you with the flexible options you need. Even if you need a whopping 40 units for your team, we’ve got you covered. Reach out for bulk pricing for your agency, we have an ample supply ready for shipment when you order!

It’s a tough choice between the Panasonic Toughbook vs. Getac. So if you’re still uncertain, we’re always here to help. Browse our exceptional range of semi and fully-rugged Toughbooks today.