Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1

While there are many things to like about the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G1, the price is impossible to ignore. Shopping around can reduce the price from the MSRP of $2,399 to about $2,200, but that’s still enough to buy two Surface Pros or Samsung Smart...

Solid performance, thanks to an Intel Core i5-3437U processor. Super rugged design survives all sorts of abuse, but is still light and slim. Great display combines high-resolution, adjustable brightness, and capacitive touch. Wacom digitizer. Modular...

Only one USB port (two with optional USB module). Small-ish 128GB drive

From major disasters like torrential rain and merciless sandstorms to the more mundane threats of drops, spills, bumps, and bashes, there are any number of ways to ruin a PC when you need it the most. Panasonic, makers of the Toughbook, are solving...

Rugged construction ; Good performance ; High-resolution, outdoor-visible screen

Expensive ; Bulky and heavy ; Moderate battery life ; Noisy when fan kicks in

The biggest drawback, however, is the price. At £1,500 (ex. VAT) for the entry-level configuration reviewed here, this is one expensive tablet. If you're likely to want any of the options and accessories, be prepared for further 'sticker shock'. Large...

Good performance ; High-res screen ; Field serviceable

Fan can get quite loud ; Screen looks a little grainy ; Could use a built-in handle

Panasonic's Toughpad FZ-G1 is an expensive 10.1in rugged tablet, but it's impressive. It runs fast, it has a good array of features and options, and it has a removable battery and relatively good field serviceability. All this in addition to being...

Impressively resilient ; Zippy performance ; Excellent stylus ; All weather screen

Huge price-tag ; Thick and heavy

Indeed, Panasonic says the Ethernet port is an optional extra, and the slot could alternatively be fitted with an extra USB slot, a microSD port or a serial port – the latter being another legacy port that some engineers need to use specialist...

Good performance ; Very sturdy ; Good connectivity ; Windows 8 Pro

Ugly design ; Fairly hefty

The standard battery life makes this only just capable of lasting a working day, but the sturdy build and snappy insides mean the ToughPad is a hardwearing and hardworking option. The standard battery life makes this only just capable of lasting a...

The ToughPad FZ-G1 lives up to its name and is well suited to outdoor use. You are paying quite a premium for that rugged design, but it’ll earn its keep on building sites and other environments that would be too harsh for a conventional laptop or tablet.

Special thanks to the folks at Shockproof for sending the FZ-G1 to us for review. Head on over to check out the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 and other tough gadgets.