The most Japanese laptop is coming to the US, but only for government, healthcare, and secret stuff

What you need to know

Panasonic Connect has announced that its Let’s note FV4 Windows 11 laptop is now available in the US after a successful run in Japan.
The laptop features a user-removable battery, Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a circle-type touchpad with “infinite scroll.”
The Let’s note FV4 is aimed at government, courts, military, healthcare, and other professional environments that require durability and longevity.
This is the first non-Toughbook laptop from Panasonic Connect to be launched in the US.

As someone who has spent years observing and analyzing the tech industry from different corners of the globe, I must say that the Let’s note FV4 is a breath of fresh air. This laptop, hailing straight from Japan’s bustling tech scene, stands out like a cherry blossom in a field of daisies.

Panasonic Connect, a division of Panasonic North America, is introducing one of its well-liked business laptops from Japan to the United States. The FV4 model, which caters more towards traditional enterprise needs, has been made accessible. This is the first time a non-Toughbook, or ruggedized laptop like the Toughbook 55 Mk3 or Toughbook 40, is being offered in the US by Panasonic Connect.

Let’s be clear – this is a laptop predominantly sold in Japan, specifically under the brand name Let’s note. In contrast to Western markets, laptops in Japan often favor circular touchpads and have less flashy designs. Given the frequent use of trains, luggage, and commuting, many Japanese businesspeople prefer a robust laptop that doesn’t resemble a Toughbook. The touchpad on this model offers “infinite scroll,” which is a significant advantage over traditional square touchpads where you need to move your finger each time you scroll.

Distinctive traits of the FV4 set it apart from numerous American laptops within its category are worth mentioning.

The most Japanese laptop is coming to the US, but only for government, healthcare, and secret stuff

It’s great that this device offers a variety of ports, such as some legacy ones along with more contemporary options like USB-C x2 Thunderbolt 4, USB-A x3, microSD, HDMI 4K, VGA, Ethernet, and Audio In/Out 3.5mm. This versatility is particularly beneficial for users dealing with older systems or those who require flexibility in their connections.

Yes, you read that right; it has a VGA port. Take that, 2024.

An additional advantage of this laptop is that the battery can be easily removed, enabling users to replace it with a new one when necessary or after prolonged wear from charging and discharging. This eliminates the hassle of sending it away for repairs or opening the device to access its internal components, thereby preserving its sensitive data and expediting the replacement process.

The most Japanese laptop is coming to the US, but only for government, healthcare, and secret stuff

Moreover, being fully manufactured in Japan, this computer meets the requirements of the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). This means that it is approved by the US government for use in various confidential operations such as military, healthcare, federal courts, national laboratories, and other areas where sensitive data is handled on the laptop.

Indeed, numerous business-grade laptops are assembled in China, and this could be a concern for specific professions. If your job involves adherence to Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance, then these non-TAA compliant devices may pose issues.

What are the Let’s note FV4 specs?

Beyond its captivating main features, this laptop boasts additional charm. It sports a robust yet lightweight magnesium-alloy casing, tipping the scales at an impressively feathery 2.4 pounds – a rarity in the enterprise sector where not everyone can invest in Lenovo X1 Carbons en masse. Although it’s not designed for outdoor use, it offers versatility by operating effectively within temperatures ranging from 41°F to 95°F and is protected against falls up to 30 inches.

The processor is an older Intel Core i7-1370P vPro, but that has more to do with time-to-market and getting various clearances. Either way, it’s a solid chip for those who work in office environments.

Given that the laptop comes with a single product code for cost-effective production and storage, it’s equipped with a 512GB OPAL solid-state drive and 32GB of high-performance LPDDR4x RAM.

The 14-inch screen isn’t disappointing either; it boasts a favored 3:2 aspect ratio and a higher-than-2K resolution of 2160 x 1440, which is slightly more than what we usually call WQHD+.

To round things out, you get a 2MP webcam with Windows Hello facial recognition, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, top-facing speakers, a 3-year warranty (with an optional 5-year extended warranty), and a battery that should last 10 hours.

Why is the Let’s note FV4 a big deal?

The fact that Panasonic Connect is introducing their laptop into the US market signifies a few things. Firstly, it suggests that the laptop industry is expanding and is projected to continue its growth in 2025, as there will be a need for a refresh of pandemic-era laptops. Secondly, it implies that Panasonic aims to capitalize on this growing market, even though they may target a somewhat niche audience.

It’s equally intriguing that Japanese laptops are seldom encountered by Westerners, as evidenced in my previous VAIO reviews – they approach design from an entirely unique perspective. Introducing a laptop equipped with a circular touchpad into the U.S. market takes audacity.

Ultimately, a laptop boasting a user-swappable battery, multiple connectivity options, and adherence to TAA standards – all while maintaining a lightweight yet robust design – offers an appealing proposition for hospitals, courts, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and other fields that demand durable, secure “workhorse” laptops.

It makes sense for Panasonic Connect to broaden its reach beyond just the rugged PC market in the U.S., since it’s already a leader there, and moving into the office sector seems like a logical progression.

I’ll acquire it shortly and express my opinions about it. In the meantime, feel free to watch the video above, featuring a firsthand account of the Japanese edition. It appears quite impressive, indeed. Keep an eye out for updates.

2024-09-26 15:10

What you need to know

What are the Let’s note FV4 specs?

Why is the Let’s note FV4 a big deal?

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