The Power Of Adaptability: CF-33 Detachable Keyboard

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Police officers need a device that's as adaptable as they are. Picture this: an officer responding to a traffic accident must quickly access critical information on their laptop, then they could need something more portable, like a tablet, to take pictures and/or videos. The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is the 2-in-1 computer perfect for this job. It features a rugged design with military-grade durability ( MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461F), perfect for environmental challenges such as drops, water sprays, vibrations, heat, and extreme cold.

The detachable keyboard is just the beginning. With the detachable keyboard and connectivity option, the CF33 has innovative features designed to empower law enforcement, offering unparalleled versatility as a powerful laptop and a convenient tablet.

Panasonic Toughbook CF33: 2-in-1 Laptop

Look at what others are saying about the Panasonic CF 33 Toughbook. Going right to the source, Panasonic's info page for the CF-33 Toughbook gives us a good starting point for our research. Here is a short quote from their site:

"The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK® 33 offers unparalleled flexibility in even the most demanding and extreme environments and is the world's first fully rugged 2-in-1 PC with a 3:2 screen."

The CF-33 classifies as a 2-in-1 laptop thanks to the functionality of the optional keyboard. The detachable keyboard connects and allows it to function similarly to any other laptop. Then, you can detach the keyboard and use the “screen” as a stand-alone tablet computer. We demonstrate this functionality in the Top Ten Features On The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 on our Rugged Rundown YouTube Series.

Toughbook 33 Keyboard Compared To The Standard Keyboard

If you know Bob from our YouTube channel, you should know he is a self-proclaimed “keyboard nerd.” He appreciates a well-made keyboard that is easy to type on while providing a satisfying feeling. According to Bob, the IBM Mechanical keyboard is the best possible experience for typing, and it’s the keyboard that he bases his opinion on.

With that said, today's rugged laptops have great keyboards. The keyboard is one of the first things Bob looks at on these laptops, like the rugged CF-33. Rating the keyboard from 1 to 10, I would give it a solid 7 points because of its crisp mechanical clicks and swift, responsive output. For reference, Bob rates the keyboard that he uses at his desk as an 8.5. This makes the Panasonic CF-33 keyboard great for typing while offering rugged quality.

Variations Of The CF33 Keyboard

Panasonic offers three versions of their detachable keyboards: the Premium, the Lite backlit 87-key emissive keyboard, and the Premium rubber backlit keyboard. Both the Premium and Lite emissive keyboards include a red backlight. The Premium rubber keyboard backlight is white.

All three keyboards include four brightness levels and the Gen1 resistive touchpad with scrolling. Resistive touchpads take time to get used to because of their durable design.

Each of these keyboards has its use in the field. However, the most popular choice is the emissive premium keyboard. This keyboard includes a docking port and the ability to turn the screen around to fold down, keeping the keyboard under the tablet for future access. Check out this Panasonic CF-33 video for a demonstration of this functionality.

You will also get this capability with the rubber keyboard, but remember that this keyboard can be challenging to type on. The CF-33 Lite keyboard is just that; the Lite version has limited ports and does not include a docking port. You also will lose the ability to flip the screen around and fold the tablet down.

Difference Between The CF 33 Premium Keyboard and Lite Keyboard

The Toughbook CF-33 Premium keyboard has definite advantages over the Lite version. The Premium includes an array of ports:

Optional ports include a second Serial port (DB9) and a second ethernet port (RJ45).

How Rugged Is The CF 33 Keyboard?

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating for the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is IP65. The '6' indicates complete dust tightness, while the '5' means it can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. Keep in mind that this rating only applies to the tablet. The detachable keyboard is durable and can withstand drops and vibration, but it doesn't offer the same level of protection.

The port covers and other design features add to its durability, but gaps between the keys and the docking mechanism make it more susceptible to water damage. The keyboard can only handle minor spills and light rain; low-pressure water jets would be a problem. In other words, do not throw the laptop in your swimming pool. When tested as a complete unit, the CF-33 meets the IP65 standard, making it a reliable choice for challenging work environments.

Advantages of the Detachable Keyboard’s Power Port

The two batteries in the back of the tablet power the laptop. The power port on the keyboard allows the user to charge the unit while the tablet is docked. This allows you to undock the tablet without unplugging the power adapter. You just have to detach the tablet from the keyboard to take it out of the car. You would not have to remove any connections because the power adapter can stay connected to the keyboard.

Ideal For Hectic Police Calls

Back to our police officer responding to a traffic accident, the scene is chaotic, with vehicles damaged and emotions running high. Gathering information needs to be quick and accurate.

In this situation, the Panasonic Toughbook CF 33 proves to be an invaluable tool. Its detachable design allows the officer to use the rugged tablet independently to capture photos and videos of the accident, document damage, and record witness statements. The touchscreen, optimized for use with gloves, ensures smooth operation even in adverse weather conditions. After all, built to military standards, the CF-33 is in its element.

Our officer can reattach the tablet to the keyboard in the Patrol car. The integrated 4G LTE upgrade option allows fast data transfer, enabling the officer to upload the accident report and supporting images and videos to the central database while still on the scene. This real-time information sharing improves efficiency and allows for quicker response times from other departments if needed.

Using the portable Brother PocketJet printer, the officer can instantly provide all parties involved with copies of the accident report. The need for handwritten reports or a return trip to the station for printing saves valuable time and improves communication with those involved in the incident. The Toughbook CF-33 empowers law enforcement officers with a versatile, reliable, and efficient tool to manage their duties effectively, ultimately contributing to safer roads and a more responsive police force.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Panasonic Toughbook 33 Mk2 - CDCE. https://cdce.com/toughbook-cf-33-mk2-fully-rugged...