Panasonic announces U.S. availability for its exceptionally rugged ToughBook 33

If you're in need of an exceptionally rugged Windows 10 2-in-1 to get work done in the field, Panasonic's ToughBook 33 will be up for grabs soon in the U.S. Combining powerful specs with a bulky, protective shell, the 12-inch ToughBook 33 will be available for $3,649 later in May, Panasonic has announced.

The ToughBook 33 will be available either with a detachable keyboard or as a tablet-only affair. The 12-inch, 3:2 QHD display comes packed in a magnesium alloy shell that is rated to withstand extreme conditions and the occasional fall thanks to meeting MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards. Driving home its fitness for outdoor use, Panasonic notes that the anti-reflective display can hit a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, ensuring visibility in sunlight.

On the inside, the ToughBook 33's ruggedness is backed up by Intel's 7th-generation Core i5 and i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of SSD storage. There's also a 1080p webcam on the front, with an 8MP camera on the rear. Windows Hello is also supported via facial recognition, along with iris and fingerprint scanning. The 2-in-1 can also be equipped with optional dedicated GPS and 4G LTE for use in the field, along with barcode or serial scanners.

The ToughBook 33 will be available at authorized Panasonic resellers later in May starting at $3,649 alongside a vehicle dock accessory. For more, check out our hands-on with the ruggedized laptop from Mobile World Congress 2017 below.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl