Last updated on July 25th, 2024 at 08:33 am
A few weeks ago, we received news that Panasonic was planning to make substantial changes to their ID scanning hardware lineup, including the TOUGHBOOK line. Our team internally began planning for these changes, while awaiting official word from our contacts in the Panasonic HQ. Panasonic confirmed publicly today that its entire Android portfolio, including the FZ-N1 TOUGHBOOK handheld ID scanner will be discontinued.
The N1 has been a staple of the IDScan.net handheld scanning portfolio for some time and is a favorite of bars, nightclubs, casinos, and dispensaries due to its durability. It has been one of our best-selling products for more than two years, and we have many clients who have standardized operations around this portable ID scanner.
We want to reassure our clients of our continued commitment to supporting their ID scanning needs, and provide some guidance on next steps for N1 owners.
When will the TOUGHBOOK be officially discontinued?
Panasonic took final orders for manufacturing runs of the N1 TOUGHBOOK ID scanner in Summer 2023.
Software support will continue through August 2027.
Hardware and parts support will continue through August 2029.
Will VeriScan continue working on the N1?
Absolutely. You will not experience any changes in service on your existing Panasonic scanner.
Is the warranty on my N1 still valid?
Yes. Your manufacturer’s warranty and any extended warranties you purchased are still valid and will be honored.
Will more Panasonic N1’s be available to purchase?
The stock you see on our store currently represents the last available Panasonic N1’s for purchase. We will not be purchasing more and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the secondary market.
What alternative handheld scanners do you recommend?
Currently, we are recommending the Unitech PA768 handheld ID scanner as the best replacement for the Panasonic N1. The Unitech PA768 is a slightly larger handheld scanner, with a large touchscreen. It runs on a more modern operating system so you will immediately notice that the device is faster and scanning occurs much more quickly.
It can perform all the same functions as the N1 unit, at a lower price point. The PA768 is also extremely durable and has passed drop and water submersion tests at the IDScan.net office, receiving similar high marks for durability to the Panasonic N1. The major difference you will note is that the laser scanner emits from the top of the device (versus diagonally from the back of the device) so you will hold IDs slightly differently to scan.
Another alternative to the Panasonic N1
The IDWare 9000+ is a longtime favorite of our customers for affordable, handheld ID scanning. It can scan barcodes, passport MRZ, and has a user friendly interface. However, it is a substantially less durable device so we recommend using it with a handstrap at all times to ensure it is not dropped.
Compare handheld ID scanners to the Panasonic N1 TOUGHBOOK
You can compare all of the handheld ID scanners we offer on our Compare ID Scanner page.
