A new rugged laptop can cost several thousand dollars. A refurbished Panasonic Toughbook gives you the same sealed, drop-tested machine for a fraction of that, and for many fleets it's the only way to put a rugged computer in every truck. But "refurbished" means different things from different sellers. Here's what it means at Tough Outlet, and what to check before you order from anyone.
Grade A / Like New: what the condition means
Every refurbished Toughbook we sell is Grade A / Like New. That means the unit keeps its original rugged certifications: no cracks, no loose parts and no missing covers. Very minor cosmetic wear may show, but the integrity of the machine is never compromised.
That last part matters more on a rugged computer than on an office laptop. A Toughbook's IP rating depends on its seals, port covers and case being intact. A cracked case or a missing port door can let in the dust and water the machine was built to keep out, so a cheap unit with damage isn't really a rugged computer anymore.
How we refurbish a Toughbook
We refurbish every unit in our own facility, and we don't resell computers bought already refurbished from third parties. Each one is built to order:
- A technician selects the exact model and generation you ordered.
- An extensive diagnostic program checks that all the hardware works.
- The unit is cleaned and sanitized inside and out.
- The technician adds the memory, SSD and options you chose, and makes any repairs.
- A genuine copy of Windows is installed and tested, with a proper out-of-box setup. We're a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher.
- Quality control checks the unit one last time before it ships.
Pick the generation, not just the model
Panasonic updated most Toughbooks several times during their production run, and each update is called a "mark" (mk1, mk2 and so on). Two CF-31s look the same outside but can have very different processors, memory and wireless inside, depending on the mark. When you compare prices, compare the same mark, processor, memory and storage. Our help center has the specs for each model, and each model page lists the generations we sell.
A few things worth deciding before you order:
- Storage: an SSD makes an older Toughbook feel much faster than its original hard drive. Our CF-30 help article has a side-by-side speed comparison video.
- Touchscreen and display: many models were built with or without touch, and with different screen brightness for outdoor use.
- 4G LTE and GPS: if the computer will work away from Wi-Fi, choose a unit with mobile broadband. See our 4G LTE and 5G guide.
- Vehicle use: if it will ride in a truck, plan the mount and dock at the same time. See how to choose a vehicle mount.
What's included
Unless the listing says otherwise, every refurbished Toughbook or Toughpad comes with:
- A battery and an AC adapter
- Wi-Fi
- Genuine Windows, installed and tested
- Free ground shipping within the continental US
- Lifetime support from our technicians by phone and email, plus our help docs and YouTube how-to videos
Warranty
Most models include a 6-month warranty, and depending on the model you can extend it to 1, 2 or 3 years when you order. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. A few parts have their own terms: batteries are covered for 30 days from delivery, as are keyboard docks and docking stations. Read the full refurbished product warranty for what's covered and what isn't.
The warranty doesn't cover accidental damage such as drops and spills. (Panasonic Protection Plus accidental damage coverage is available on new Toughbooks only.)
Returns
You can return a refurbished product if you tell us you intend to within 14 days of delivery. If something is wrong with the unit, our technicians will first try to fix it by phone, remote access or an exchange. Non-defective returns may carry a restocking fee of up to 20%. The return policy has the details.
Shipping
We ship from Austin, Texas. Refurbished units usually ship within 1–5 business days, depending on quantity and configuration, and ground delivery then takes 2–4 business days. Need it by a certain date? Tell us when you order. See the shipping policy for rates and faster options.
Buying for a team or fleet
If you need several units set up the same way, request a quick quote with the model and quantity. We'll build and test every unit to match, and send pricing.