xPAK: How Modular Hardware Lets You Configure and Reconfigure Your Device
How can laptops and tablets be configured for different roles and adapted as requirements change?
The requirements of a mobile workforce rarely stay the same throughout the lifetime of a device. A field technician may need additional I/O today, while another user may need a barcode scanner or additional battery capacity.
Instead of replacing the entire computer when those requirements change, TOUGHBOOK xPAK technology allows compatible hardware modules to be added, removed or exchanged in dedicated expansion bays within the device.
The result is a rugged device that can be configured for different roles and adapted as requirements change.
What is an xPAK?
An xPAK is a self-contained hardware module designed to fit into a dedicated expansion bay in a compatible TOUGHBOOK device.
Depending on the device and module, an xPAK can add functionality such as:
- Barcode scanning
- Smart card or fingerprint readers
- Additional I/O ports
- Optical drives
- Additional storage
- A second battery
Unlike an external peripheral, an xPAK becomes part of the device's physical configuration. The module sits flush within the chassis rather than requiring a cable, dongle or external accessory.
Image 1: TOUGHBOOK 34 with xPAK module examples
How does xPAK modularity work?
Compatible TOUGHBOOK devices contain dedicated expansion areas designed to accommodate xPAK modules.
An xPAK can be installed into its designated bay and replaced when the device's requirements change. Depending on the module, this is done by unlocking a switch or by simply removing a set of screws.
The important point is that the expansion is designed for the user rather than requiring the device to be sent to a service center.
This means a device can be reconfigured in the field or by an IT department rather than being returned to a depot whenever its hardware requirements change.
What can you add to a TOUGHBOOK with xPAK?
The available modules depend on the TOUGHBOOK model, but xPAK can add capabilities such as barcode scanning, additional connectivity, security features, storage or battery capacity.
This allows the same base device to be configured around the role it needs to perform.
For example, a device used by a warehouse worker could be configured with an integrated barcode reader. The same device platform could be configured differently for a field technician who needs additional I/O connectivity.
Below is an overview of the xPAK modules available on the TOUGHBOOK 40:
Left expansion area
2nd SSD (NVMe), Smart Card Reader, DVD Multi Drive
Right expansion area
2nd battery, Smart Card Reader
Palmrest expansion area
Fingerprint reader (Windows Hello), Fingerprint reader (Windows Hello, Multi-user authentication) or Contactless Smart Card Reader (HF-RFID)
Rear expansion area
VGA + True Serial (RS232) + 2nd native GLAN
USB 3.2 Type A + True Serial (RS232) + 2nd HDMI or
USB 3.2 Type A + USB 3.2 Type A + 2nd HDMI
2nd HDMI + USB 3.2 Type A + 2nd USB 3.2 Type c
Image 2: TOUGHBOOK 40 with xPAK module areas
Why integrated modularity matters
An external peripheral can add functionality to a computer, but it also adds another physical component to manage.
A USB barcode scanner, for example, may require a cable, occupy a port and create another item that can be dropped, snagged or separated from the computer.
xPAK takes a different approach.
The module is integrated into the chassis and designed as part of the TOUGHBOOK device rather than as a separate peripheral.
This can help organisations maintain a cleaner device configuration while keeping additional functionality available when it is needed.
From one role to another
The real value of xPAK becomes apparent when a device's role changes.
Imagine a TOUGHBOOK configured for a public safety application with an integrated barcode reader and security module. If that device is later reassigned to a field service role, its hardware configuration can potentially be changed to provide the connectivity or other functionality required by the new user.
Instead of replacing the computer because its configuration no longer matches the role, the organisation can adapt the hardware.
One rugged computer can therefore support multiple roles over its lifetime.
A more flexible approach to device procurement
This flexibility can also change the way organisations think about procurement.
Traditional device procurement often requires organisations to predict exactly which hardware capabilities users will need at the point of purchase.
With modular hardware, some of those decisions can be deferred.
A fleet can be deployed with a common base platform and configured according to individual roles. As requirements change, compatible modules can be added or exchanged rather than replacing the entire device.
This can help reduce hardware variation across a fleet, simplify deployment and extend the useful life of the underlying computer.
Designed to adapt as requirements change
Technology requirements rarely remain static for the lifetime of a rugged computer.
New applications may require different connectivity. A user may move into a role that requires barcode scanning. Security requirements may change. Additional battery capacity may become more important.
xPAK provides a hardware architecture designed to accommodate these changes.
Rather than treating the device configuration as permanent, TOUGHBOOK treats it as something that can evolve.
Frequently asked questions
What is a TOUGHBOOK xPAK?
An xPAK is a self-contained hardware module that fits into a dedicated expansion bay on a compatible TOUGHBOOK device to add a specific capability, such as barcode scanning, additional I/O, storage or battery capacity.
Can I replace an xPAK myself?
xPAKs are designed for user replacement without requiring a depot visit or specialist service intervention for compatible modules. Depending on the module, this is done by unlocking a switch or by simply removing a set of screws.
Can I add an xPAK after purchasing my TOUGHBOOK?
Compatible xPAKs can be added or changed after the initial device purchase, allowing the hardware configuration to evolve with changing requirements.
How many xPAKs can a TOUGHBOOK support?
This depends on the model. The TOUGHBOOK 40 has four dedicated xPAK bays as part of eight modular areas, while the TOUGHBOOK G2 has two expansion areas.
Are xPAKs the same as USB peripherals?
No. xPAKs are designed as integrated hardware modules that fit into dedicated areas of the TOUGHBOOK chassis rather than connecting externally through a cable or dongle.
A rugged computer that can evolve with your workforce
Rugged computing is about more than surviving demanding environments. It is also about making an investment that can continue to meet changing operational requirements.
With xPAK modularity, compatible TOUGHBOOK devices can be configured around different roles and adapted over time by changing the hardware capabilities rather than replacing the entire computer.
One rugged platform. Multiple configurations. The flexibility to adapt as the job changes.
Explore TOUGHBOOK devices with xPAK modularity
Discover TOUGHBOOK rugged computers designed to adapt to the changing requirements of mobile workforces.
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