Panasonic's Toughbook rules all rugged laptops

Best overall
More affordable

Best overall

Panasonic Toughbook 54

Panasonic isn't usually the first name you think of laptops, but the Japanese company has made its reputation from making insanely tough notebooks for situations that demand them.

The Toughbook 54 is a great all-around PC in the range, with various specifications available to cover lighter or more intense computing needs. It's also fairly thin and light for such a laptop.

Bottom line: Panasonic is the brand to buy when it comes to tough laptops.

One more thing: The Toughbook 54 has a performance option with discrete graphics for more demanding users.

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Why the Panasonic Toughbook 54 is the best

If you look around at many construction sites or even hospitals, there's a good chance you'll see some form of Panasonic Toughbook. There's a reason for that. You get legendary build quality with a Windows PC that you actually want to use.

You're not likely to use it for gaming, but you can still get discrete graphics

The Toughbook 54 isn't the most rugged, nor the most portable, laptop in its range, but it's the best all-arounder. You get rugged toughness along with a laptop that's still portable and packed with great tech. You're not likely to be using one of these as a gaming machine, but you can still get one with discrete graphics from AMD.

Otherwise, there is a bundle of options to choose from when spec-ing up your Toughbook. These include an optical drive, the usual higher storage, and CPU options, as well as LTE or even Windows 7 if, you know, your business still runs on that.

It doesn't even weigh that much. At 4.4lbs, you get durability without the need to carry it in a roller bag. Win win.

Cheaper alternative

Dell Latitude 14 Rugged

The Latitude 14 Rugged starts at $100 less than the Toughbook, but you still get one heck of a durable machine. Built to withstand extreme temperatures, with IP52 for water and dust resistance, and tested to MIL-STD-810G standards, you can be sure it'll stand up to whatever you throw at it.

It's not the highest-spec PC around, but you can have LTE and GPS for outdoor-related situations, and there's a chunky old handle on the hinge for you to keep a tight grip.

Bottom line: It's still tough, and more affordable than a Toughbook.

One more thing: If your pursuits take you outdoors you'll want to add LTE and GPS so you're always connected.

See at Dell

Conclusion

The rugged laptop space is super niche and there are not tons of choices out there. But you really can't go wrong with a Panasonic Toughbook. It's been setting the standard for many a year now. But if your budget is a little lower, the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged will still treat you well.