Panasonic FZ-G2 TOUGHBOOK Tablet

The FZ-G2 is the latest fully rugged tablet. Panasonic originally made the CF-18, CF-19, FZ-G1 Tablet, CF-20, and then now to the FZ-G2. The CF-18 and CF-19 were both convertible tablets where the screen could twist around and be a tablet but the computer base was approximately 2” thick. This was some of the best available tech at the time but with the introduction of the ipad people started to want the smaller slate style tablet. The FZ-G1 was the industry’s first rugged slate tablet. The FZ-G1 was widely celebrated but it didn’t have a keyboard option. Later a company called iKey created a keyboard, the “jumpseat” that could click in to the FZ-G1 and utilize the docking port connections but the keyboard connection was difficult to make and it would often break. After learning some of these needs and mechanics Panasonic made the CF-20 which was the first 2 in 1 rugged tablet. It had a keyboard that was designed by Panasonic to connect and disconnect allowing the user to have a slate tablet or clamshell laptop. This was popular but it was a bit underpowered which lead Panasonic to take everything they learned from the CF-20 and FZ-G1 and replace both with the FZ-G2. When they built the FZ-G2 they made it so the tablet portion is compatible with any previous FZ-G1 dock and the keyboard is compatible with any CF-20 dock. The only exception being any tablet dock that was made for the FZ-G1 “Slim” dock. The FZ-G2 has a long life battery that makes the tablet a bit thicker than the FZ-G1 Slim was. This blog details references the FZ-G2 MK3 model.

Rugged Industry Competitive Speed

The FZ-G2 uses the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U, which is amongst the fastest on the market for rugged tablets. It can have up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB in storage.

Intrinsically Safe Capability

Panasonic offers a certified ANSI C1D2 version of the FZ-G2 tablet. This allows the computer to be used in specific C1D2 designated areas that may have combustible gasses. If you have more questions about C1D2 or intrinsically safe devices due to the complicated and changing nature of the information please reach out to us!

Cellular modem

The FZ-G2 has 4G LTE and 5G options. A customer’s use case is super specific so it’s difficult to offer blanket statements but 4G LTE is a heck of a good fast modem and is hundreds of dollars less than a 5G modem. The whole 5G infrastructure that’s been heavily advertised and discussed in 2024 onward has been mostly pushed by the big carriers to get new activations and encourage updating into new hardware. The infrastructure for 5G is still pretty far behind and most speed tests of 5G are comparable or even slower than 4G LTE. Unless your need is highly specialized with a tested 5G network that supports it a 4G LTE connection is going to do what you need and cost you a heck of a lot less to buy.

Dedicated GPS

The FZ-G2 has an optional dedicated u-blox-NEO-M9J or NEO-M8J GPS. These are great for any use that needs precise location like turn by turn directions or CAD used for public safety.

FZ-G2 Battery Life

The FZ-G2 in the US comes with a long life battery as a standard. There are other slim G2 models available in Canada and Europe and one rumored to become available in the US soon. The long life battery is advertised to last 14.5 hours. This is based off of MobileMark tests which isn’t exactly accurate to real world use but it’s the industry standard and what you see other manufacturers advertise as well.

Rugged Features and Hardware

The Toughbook G2 LCD is 10.1" and is built of a strong direct bonding tempered glass that can withstand abuse. It’s bright at 1,000 nits, It operates at a 1920x1200 resolution. FZ-G2 speakers can come in at 88db, while not the loudest available through Panasonic, the audible range is good for most use. For reference, a vehicle idling with the windows closed is 70db. 88db is more than twice as loud due to the logarithmic nature of how sound works. As a standard each FZ-G2 comes with QTY 1 USB-C 4 Thunderbolt, QTY 1 USB-A, QTY 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, and the docking connection. Rated for IP65, the FZ-G2 is protected from dust and moisture. Read More About IP Ratings On Our Dedicated Blog

FZ-G2 Toughbook xPaks

The FZ-G2 has a bunch of options that can be swapped in and out easily in the field. We have an entire blog dedicated to these xpaks if you’d like more specifics. There are two expansion areas. The top and the side. The top expansion area can have two different types of barcode scanner, 2nd USB-A, 2nd LAN, a true serial dongle, thermal camera, or Micro SD. The rear expansion area can have an insertable smart card, contactless smart card, or fingerprint reader.

Toughbook G2 Keyboard

Ok let’s talk about this keyboard. It is amazing. This keyboard, the FZ-VEKG21LM, was manufactured with years of engineering real world experience put into form. It has 4 color selectable backlit levels, a handle / kickstand, USB-A, USB-C and the classic Kensington Lock port for physical security. This keyboard lets you slap the tablet in and have a fully functioning clamshell laptop. Then you can pop the tablet right out and have that slate tablet you need.

Rotating Hand Strap

The FZ-G2 does not come with a handle and the rotating hand strap makes it a breeze to hold. We highly suggest this along with any FZ-G2 you may purchase and use. The ergonomics makes it a breeze to operate, especially if you’re utilizing a 2D barcode scanner built into the tablet.

Vehicle Mounting & Docking

The FZ-G2 docking stations allow you to use the tablet in extremely productive ways while sitting at a desk or on the road. The desktop dock allows you to connect the tablet or tablet + keyboard to the desktop dock that would then allow for additional monitors, keyboard / mouse, printer, LAN internet, etc. This allows a classic desktop computer experience and then you can pop off the equipment and go! The vehicle dock works muchly the same but you can secure it in a moving vehicle. Many people don’t think about how an unsecured object in a vehicle becomes a dangerous projective the second that vehicle goes from being fast to an immediate stop like an accident.