Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Docks
An often overlooked accessory for a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK is the ever useful docking station. Ranging from office desktop docks to in vehicle mounted docks to static wall mounting solutions, a docking station for a rugged laptop or rugged tablet is a great accessory that adds utility and efficiency to the computer. A dock provides locking security to a valuable asset, ergonomic optimization, increased port interface options and power charging pass through all while saving wear and tear on the TOUGHBOOK ports and port covers as well as increasing user efficiency. A docking station can typically be used to engage multiple peripherals such as mice, keyboards, printers, monitors and more alongside providing a wired internet port. A rugged tablet or laptop docks into the docking station with a locking latch and instantly connects to all the peripherals utilizing the data docking strip included on all Panasonic TOUGHBOOKS.
Tablet and Laptop Docking Stations
Panasonic has created a wide range of docking stations to accomodate all TOUGHBOOK form factors. For Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 2-in-1s like the CF-33 and the FZ-G2 there are actually two different available desktop docking stations. Since both the CF-33 and FZ-G2 have an optional keyboard that can convert the rugged tablet into a rugged laptop, both units have two different docking station options that can accomodate the computer either in tablet mode or laptop mode. An example of the tablet docking station for the FZ-G2 when in tablet mode would the be FZ-VEBG21U and if a laptop docking station is required the CF-VEB201U is the correct equipment. A tablet docking station cannot dock with the FZ-G2 (or CF-33) when in laptop mode and vice versa.
TOUGHBOOK Vehicle Docking Solutions
Similar to the Panasonic created desktop docking stations, manufacturers such as Gamber Johnson or Havis create purpose built docks and cradles for all TOUGHBOOK form factors. The vehicle docking stations made by both manufacturers, similarly add port and power pass through along with locking functionality. Built to be mounted in vehicles, Gamber Johnson and Havis docks have mounting patterns on the bottom and take remote wireless connections into account. Some vehicle docking stations include RF pass through to be able to connect external antennas and boost internal signals such as 4G LTE or GPS in the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. While docks are separated and categorized by what ports and RF pass through is provided, it is a common mistake for customers to purchase vehicle cradles instead of docks. While both docks and cradles secure and lock the rugged laptop or rugged tablet into place on a vehicle mounting solution, a cradle does not provide any power or port pass through and only a handful provide RF pass through. While cheaper than a dock, a cradle provides much less functionality than a dock.
Interested in purchasing a Panasonic desktop dock for your TOUGHBOOK computer? Browse available options here.
Interested in purchasing a Havis or Gamber Johnson vehicle dock or cradle? Visit our sister website www.ruggedordie.com