Panasonic has announced what it calls “the world’s first fully rugged detachable laptop”. The Toughbook 20 combines the features of both laptop and tablet, designed for field workers that need a mobile computing solution and the ability to capture large amounts of data. It’s purpose-built for challenging environments, including transportation and logistics as well as field services, utilities, oil and gas, among others.

The computer features a 6th-generation Intel Core vPro processor, a 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM, and a choice of Windows 10 Pro or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 10 Pro).

Extremely flexible, it also offers six usage modes. Besides being used as a traditional laptop, the tablet can be detached and used by itself or flipped 180-degrees to show content in presentation mode. The convertible mode allows users to see the display with the keyboard attached and ready when it is needed. Using the built-in handle, the device can operate in carry mode or hanging on a wall, while vehicle mode provides full functionality and operation of the device when on the move.

The Toughbook 20 is designed to meet MIL-STD-461F for electromagnetic interference and MIL-STD-810G for drop, shock, vibration, explosive atmosphere, temperature, humidity, rain and sand, as well as waterproof and dustproof ingress (IP65).

It has a 10.1-in., sunlight-viewable IPS display with gloved multi touch capabilities, a waterproof stylus pen, and a backlit keyboard that is 16% larger than the Toughbook 19. The standard 2MP webcam and optional 8MP rear camera expand communications options. Its optional bridge battery allows for continuous operation and the optional second battery (located in keyboard dock) doubles battery life and can also be swapped between the tablet and keyboard dock.

The Toughbook 20 will be available in February 2016 at an estimated street price starting around US$3099.