When I attempted to replace the network card in my FZ-55 ToughBook, a laptop that retails for over $2,300, I was surprised to find that the new card would not register at all. After some troubleshooting on my own, I reached out to Panasonic support, only to be told that because the machine did not originally ship with that particular card, the change would be considered an “upgrade.” According to them, upgrades of this type are not supported once the device is more than two years old.
What makes this especially frustrating is that the original card is just a standard Intel Wi-Fi card with Panasonic branding on it. There is no apparent technical limitation preventing a user from swapping in a compatible replacement card, and such upgrades are routine in many other laptops. Instead, it feels like an arbitrary restriction imposed to push customers toward Panasonic’s own expensive upgrade services or even force them to buy an entirely new ToughBook when a simple part replacement should have sufficed.
Locking down something as basic as a Wi-Fi card not only inconveniences customers but also suggests that Panasonic prioritizes profit over user autonomy. In my opinion, buyers should be aware that while the hardware itself is robust, Panasonic’s support policies and upgrade limitations do not reflect the premium price tag.When I buy a computer, especially one that retails for over $2300 I expect that the device is mine and that I get to do what I want with it, not to be bullied by the manufacturer and be left out to dry.
Desired outcome: Ability to upgrade and repair my own device
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