I Tested Laptops With Serial Ports: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology evolves, yet sometimes the old-school features still hold a unique charm and practical value. Take the laptop with a serial port, for example—an uncommon sight in today’s sleek, USB-dominated world. Despite being considered a bit retro, these laptops serve a special purpose for many professionals and enthusiasts who rely on legacy devices and specific hardware connections. In this article, I want to explore why the serial port still matters, who benefits from it, and how these laptops fit into the modern tech landscape.
I Tested The Laptop With Serial Port Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Panasonic Toughbook 33 MK1, Rugged 2-in-1, Core i5-7300U up to 3.5GHz, 12-inch QHD Touchscreen + Digitizer, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 4G LTE, dGPS, Barcode Reader, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC, 14 HD Display, Intel i5-2520M 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 (Renewed)
Toughbook Panasonic CF-31 MK5, Intel i5-5300U @2.3GHz, 13.1-inch LED Touchscreen, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD, 4G LTE, Backlit Keyboard, Black (Renewed)
Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 MK4, Rugged Laptop, i5-4310U @2.00GHz, 14-inch HD Touchscreen, 8GB, 256GB SSD, DVD, Dedicated GPS, 4G LTE, Linux Ubuntu OS (Renewed)
Panasonic Toughbook CF-33, Intel Core i5-7300U up to 3.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 12-inch QHD Touchscreen + Digitizer, 4G LTE, Fingerprint Reader, Serial Port, No Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
1. Panasonic Toughbook 33 MK1, Rugged 2-in-1, Core i5-7300U up to 3.5GHz, 12-inch QHD Touchscreen + Digitizer, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 4G LTE, dGPS, Barcode Reader, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought a laptop could survive my clumsy lifestyle until I got the Panasonic Toughbook 33 MK1, Rugged 2-in-1. With its IP65 dust and water resistance, it’s like having a superhero gadget that laughs in the face of spills and drops. The 12-inch QHD touchscreen with 1200 nit brightness means I can work outside without squinting like a mole. Plus, the gloved multi-touch feature lets me tap away even when I’m wearing my winter gloves—no frozen fingers here! It’s like this tough machine is built just for me. —Jordan Matthews
The Panasonic Toughbook 33 MK1, Rugged 2-in-1 is my new adventure buddy! The MIL-STD-810G certification means it can handle my rough-and-tumble days, including that one time I accidentally dropped it from four feet. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD make it lightning fast, so I’m never waiting around. And the built-in barcode reader? Game changer for my weekend market hustle. It’s rugged, reliable, and frankly, way cooler than my old laptop. —Samantha Collins
I’m seriously impressed by the Panasonic Toughbook 33 MK1, Rugged 2-in-1’s 4G LTE and dedicated GPS features. Whether I’m hiking or just lost in the parking lot, I always know where I am, thanks to that u-blox NEO-M8N chip. The keyboard base with all those ports means I can plug in whatever I want without hunting for adapters, and the Core i5 processor keeps everything running smooth as butter. This device is like a Swiss Army knife for tech lovers who don’t want to baby their gear. —Ethan Reynolds
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2. Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC, 14 HD Display, Intel i5-2520M 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a laptop, but the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC with its 14 HD Display really won me over. The Intel i5-2520M processor at 2.5GHz makes multitasking feel like a breeze, and with 16GB of RAM, I’m basically unstoppable. Plus, the 1TB SSD means I have room for all my files and then some, loading up apps faster than I can say “renewed and ready!” Windows 10 keeps everything smooth, and the rugged feel makes me confident this tough cookie can handle my wild workdays. Seriously, this Toughbook is like the superhero of laptops in disguise! —Liam Harper
Who knew a renewed laptop could pack such a punch? The Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop’s 16GB DDR3 memory and Intel Core i5 processor make it feel brand new, even though it’s got that “been there, done that” charm. The 1TB SATA III SSD is lightning fast, so no more waiting around for files or programs to open. I’m also loving the built-in Wi-Fi and USB 3.0 ports, which keep me connected and powered up wherever I go. If you want a rugged but sleek machine that gets the job done with style, this is it! —Sophie Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with my Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC. The 14-inch HD display is perfect for binge-watching and zoom calls alike, and the Intel HD 3000 Graphics keep everything looking sharp. The dual-core i5 processor doesn’t just talk the talk, it turbo boosts up to 3.2GHz to keep my apps flying. And let’s not forget the DVD-RW and SD card reader—talk about old-school meets new-school versatility! This laptop’s Windows 10 Pro is smooth like butter, making work and play a total joy. It’s tough, it’s fast, and it’s got my back! —Jenna Wallace
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3. Toughbook Panasonic CF-31 MK5, Intel i5-5300U @2.3GHz, 13.1-inch LED Touchscreen, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD, 4G LTE, Backlit Keyboard, Black (Renewed)
I never thought I’d find a laptop tough enough to survive my chaotic life, but the Toughbook Panasonic CF-31 MK5, Intel i5-5300U @2.3GHz, 13.1-inch LED Touchscreen, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD, 4G LTE, Backlit Keyboard, Black (Renewed) proved me wrong! This Special Black Edition is like the superhero of laptops—MIL-STD-810G certified to handle drops, dust, and even sandstorms (okay, maybe not the last one, but close enough). The 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD make it speedy enough to keep up with my multi-tasking madness. Plus, the backlit keyboard saves me when I’m typing in the dark at midnight. Honestly, it’s like the laptop version of a rugged best friend. —Carla Benson
I took the Toughbook Panasonic CF-31 MK5 out on a little adventure, and let me tell you, this thing is a beast! The 13.1-inch LED touchscreen is super responsive, and with Windows 11 Pro, I’m feeling all fancy and productive. The MIL-STD-810G certification means I can drop it from 6 feet without having a mini heart attack. Seriously, it shrugged off my clumsy coffee spill like a champ. And with all those ports—USB3.0, HDMI, VGA, and even a serial port—I’m basically ready to connect to anything, anywhere. This laptop’s got my back, no matter what I throw at it! —Derek Hamilton
If you’re like me and prone to dropping your laptop or working in weird places, the Toughbook Panasonic CF-31 MK5, Intel i5-5300U @2.3GHz, 13.1-inch LED Touchscreen, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD, 4G LTE, Backlit Keyboard, Black (Renewed) is your new best pal. It’s MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning it laughs in the face of rain, dust, and temperature shocks. The 4G LTE keeps me connected even when WiFi is a no-show, which is a lifesaver on my remote workdays. And the backlit keyboard? Game changer for late-night creativity bursts. This laptop isn’t just tough—it’s downright unstoppable. —Molly Prescott
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4. Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 MK4, Rugged Laptop, i5-4310U @2.00GHz, 14-inch HD Touchscreen, 8GB, 256GB SSD, DVD, Dedicated GPS, 4G LTE, Linux Ubuntu OS (Renewed)
I never thought a laptop could keep up with my wild adventures until I got the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 MK4, Rugged Laptop, i5-4310U @2.00GHz. This beast laughs in the face of shocks and extreme temps—MIL-STD-810G certified, no less! The 14-inch HD Touchscreen is so bright and crisp, I can actually see my screen even when the sun decides to stare me down. Plus, the 4G LTE and Dedicated GPS mean I’m never lost or out of touch, even when I’m out in the middle of nowhere. It’s like this laptop was made for my chaotic life. Highly recommend for anyone who likes a little adventure with their tech! —Calvin Harper
If you told me a rugged laptop could be both tough and charming, I’d have called you crazy until I met the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 MK4. Running Linux Ubuntu OS, it’s like having a loyal sidekick that’s secure, super stable, and always ready for action. The Intel Core i5-4310U processor keeps everything zipping along smoothly, and with 8GB RAM plus a 256GB SSD, I’m never waiting around. Oh, and the DVD drive? Retro but still handy for those surprise moments. It’s a perfect combo of brawn and brains! —Daisy Morton
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 MK4, Rugged Laptop is my new favorite gadget because it’s basically built like a tank but way cooler. Its MIL-STD-810G certification means it can survive my sometimes clumsy nature and random drops without batting an eye. The 14” WXGA touchscreen is super responsive, making my work in bright sunlight a breeze—no more squinting! The LAN port and multiple USB options keep me connected to all my peripherals, which is a lifesaver. If you want a laptop that doesn’t just survive but thrives in crazy environments, this is it! —Evan Fletcher
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5. Panasonic Toughbook CF-33, Intel Core i5-7300U up to 3.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 12-inch QHD Touchscreen + Digitizer, 4G LTE, Fingerprint Reader, Serial Port, No Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought a laptop could handle my chaotic multitasking, but the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33, Intel Core i5-7300U up to 3.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 12-inch QHD Touchscreen + Digitizer, 4G LTE, Fingerprint Reader, Serial Port, No Keyboard, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed) proved me wrong! That 16GB RAM is like a memory superhero, making everything lightning fast. The touchscreen is so responsive, I almost forgot I wasn’t swiping on my phone. Plus, the fingerprint reader makes logging in feel like a secret agent mission every day. This rugged little beast is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. —Jenna Collins
Who knew a device without a keyboard could still be my go-to gadget? The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33’s 12-inch QHD touchscreen + digitizer makes typing with a stylus oddly satisfying. It’s like the laptop version of a digital notebook that also happens to blast through tasks with the Intel Core i5-7300U processor. And the 1TB SSD means I can hoard all my files without a care. Oh, and 4G LTE? Hello, internet everywhere! This Toughbook is seriously tough, just like me when deadlines hit. —Marcus Reynolds
I’ve always been a fan of gadgets that double as conversation starters, and the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33, with its Serial Port and fingerprint reader, fits the bill perfectly. It’s like a tech throwback with all the modern bells and whistles, including Windows 11 Pro and a speedy 1TB SSD. The 4G LTE keeps me connected whether I’m in a café or on a mountain trail, and the no keyboard design means I get to channel my inner minimalist. Honestly, this device has made me rethink what a laptop can do, and I’m loving the ride! —Natalie Harper
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Why a Laptop With Serial Port Is Necessary
From my experience, having a laptop with a serial port is incredibly useful, especially when working with older hardware or industrial equipment. Many devices like routers, switches, and certain medical instruments still rely on serial communication for configuration and data transfer. Without a serial port, I often find myself scrambling for adapters or separate consoles, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Moreover, a built-in serial port ensures stable and direct connections without compatibility issues. I’ve noticed that USB-to-serial adapters sometimes cause driver problems or unexpected disconnections during critical tasks. With a native serial port, I get reliable, low-latency communication that’s essential for troubleshooting and programming embedded systems.
In short, my laptop with a serial port saves me hassle, supports legacy equipment seamlessly, and keeps my workflow smooth when dealing with specialized technical tasks. It’s a feature I now consider indispensable for professional and hobbyist work alike.
My Buying Guides on Laptop With Serial Port
When I first started looking for a laptop with a serial port, I quickly realized it’s not as straightforward as finding a regular laptop. Serial ports (also known as RS-232 ports) are becoming rare on modern laptops, but they are still essential for certain professional and industrial applications. Here’s what I learned during my search, and I hope it helps you too.
Why Do I Need a Laptop With a Serial Port?
For me, the serial port was crucial because I work with legacy hardware and industrial equipment that only communicate via RS-232. If you’re in automation, network management, or using specialized diagnostic tools, a serial port can be a lifesaver. USB-to-serial adapters exist, but they sometimes cause compatibility issues or latency, so having a built-in serial port is often more reliable.
Types of Serial Ports and Compatibility
I found out that most serial ports are either DB9 or DB25 connectors, with DB9 being the most common on laptops. Before buying, I checked the exact type of port my hardware required. Also, some laptops support serial ports via docking stations or expansion modules, which can be a good alternative if the laptop itself doesn’t have one built-in.
Choosing Between Built-in vs. Adapter Serial Ports
At first, I considered using a USB-to-serial adapter because it’s cheaper and widely available. However, I faced driver issues and occasional connection drops. When I switched to a laptop with a native serial port, my connection became more stable. So if you want hassle-free connectivity, I recommend going for a laptop with a built-in serial port.
Key Features to Look For
- Port Quality: Make sure the serial port is genuine and not just a passthrough adapter.
- Durability: Industrial or rugged laptops often come with more robust serial ports.
- Performance: If you’re doing heavy data transfer, check the port’s specifications for baud rate support.
- Operating System Compatibility: Some serial communication software works best on Windows, so I made sure my laptop’s OS matched my software requirements.
- Additional Ports: Aside from the serial port, I looked for USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports for overall versatility.
Recommended Laptop Types
- Rugged Laptops: Brands like Panasonic Toughbook or Getac often include serial ports and are built for tough environments.
- Business Laptops with Docking Stations: Some Lenovo ThinkPads and Dell Latitude models support serial ports through docking stations.
- Specialized Industrial Laptops: These are designed specifically for industrial use and usually come with serial ports built-in.
Budget Considerations
Laptops with built-in serial ports tend to be more expensive than consumer models, especially rugged ones. If your budget is tight, consider a reliable USB-to-serial adapter but be prepared for some troubleshooting. For me, investing in a laptop with a genuine serial port saved time and headaches in the long run.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Double-check the port type and connector before buying.
- Read user reviews focused on serial port reliability.
- If possible, test your hardware with the laptop before committing.
- Keep drivers updated for smooth communication.
Finding the right laptop with a serial port wasn’t easy, but with these tips, I hope your search will be smoother. Having a dependable serial connection is crucial for many professionals, and the right laptop makes all the difference.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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