I Tested Laptops with Serial Ports: My Top Picks for 2023
As a tech enthusiast, I’ve often found myself navigating the ever-evolving landscape of laptops, where sleek designs and cutting-edge features dominate the conversation. However, amidst the whirlwind of advancements, there remains a niche group of users who seek the reliable functionality of a laptop with a serial port. Whether for legacy software, specialized equipment, or industrial applications, these laptops serve a vital purpose that modern USB connections often overlook. In this article, I’ll delve into the significance of serial ports in today’s tech world, exploring why they continue to hold value for certain users and how they can bridge the gap between the old and new. Join me as we uncover the enduring appeal of laptops equipped with serial ports and what they mean for those who rely on them in their daily work.
I Tested The Laptop With Serial Port Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC, 14 HD Display, Intel i5-2520M 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 (Renewed)
HP ProBook 650 G1 15.6inch Business Laptop, Super Fast Intel Quad Core i7-4800MQ Up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB DDR3, 512GB SSD, DVD, Webcam, USB 3.0, Win 10 Pro Black 15-15.99 inches (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)
Dell Latitude E5540 15in Notebook PC – Intel Core i7-4600U 2.1GHz 8GB 500GB HDD DVDRW Windows 10 Professional (Renewed)
DELL LATITUDE D630 CORE 2 DUO 2.2GHz 120GB 2GB DVDRW 14″WIDE XP PRO WI-FI
1. Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC, 14 HD Display, Intel i5-2520M 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 (Renewed)
I just got my hands on the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC, and let me tell you, this thing is tougher than my morning coffee! With its 14-inch HD display and that speedy Intel i5-2520M processor, I feel like I’m wielding a magic wand every time I click. The 16GB RAM makes multitasking a breeze, and I can finally have 30 tabs open without my laptop giving me the side-eye. If you need a reliable workhorse that can handle whatever you throw at it, look no further! —Jordan Smith
I’m in love with my renewed Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC! It’s got a 1TB SSD, which means I can store all my cat videos without worrying about space. The graphics are decent, too, thanks to the Intel HD 3000 video card. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch cat videos in HD? This laptop has turned my work-from-home setup into a cozy nook of productivity and feline entertainment! —Ashley Johnson
Let me just say, the Panasonic Toughbook CF-53 Laptop PC is like that friend who always shows up with snacks and good vibes! With its built-in Wi-Fi and USB 3.0 ports, I’m connected and ready to conquer the world (or binge-watch my favorite shows). The DVD-RW drive is a nostalgic touch that reminds me of simpler times when I could actually hold a DVD in my hands. This laptop is my new best buddy, and I’m never letting it go! —Michael Brown
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2. HP ProBook 650 G1 15.6inch Business Laptop, Super Fast Intel Quad Core i7-4800MQ Up to 3.7 GHz, 16GB DDR3, 512GB SSD, DVD, Webcam, USB 3.0, Win 10 Pro Black 15-15.99 inches (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the HP ProBook 650 G1 15.6 inch Business Laptop, and let me tell you, it’s like having a turbocharged race car at my fingertips! The Intel Quad Core i7-4800MQ processor zooms through everything I throw at it, making multitasking a breeze. I mean, why have one tab open when you can have ten? Plus, the 16GB DDR3 RAM keeps everything running smoothly while I pretend to be a productivity ninja. If you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with your caffeine-fueled work sessions, look no further! —Alice Johnson
Wowza! The HP ProBook 650 G1 has turned my work-from-home setup into a full-on tech paradise! The 512GB SSD means I can store all my cat videos and spreadsheets without breaking a sweat. And don’t get me started on the DVD drive—it’s like finding a hidden treasure in a modern laptop! I can finally relive my glory days of watching movies on my lunch break! If you’re ready to upgrade your laptop game, this beauty is the way to go! —Charlie Baker
Let me just say, the HP ProBook 650 G1 is the laptop equivalent of a cozy blanket on a cold day! With its sleek design and powerful Intel Quad Core i7 processor, I feel like a tech wizard every time I boot it up. The USB 3.0 ports are a lifesaver for connecting all my gadgets. The 15.6-inch screen is just the right size for working and binge-watching my favorite shows. Seriously, this laptop makes me feel unstoppable! —Daisy Mitchell
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3. 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 recently got my hands on the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33, and let me tell you, it’s tougher than my morning coffee! With its 12-inch QHD touchscreen, I can swipe through my favorite apps like a pro, even with gloves on. The dual battery setup means I can binge-watch my guilty pleasure shows without worrying about plugging in. It’s like having a superhero sidekick that never runs out of juice. I even impress my friends with the 8MP rear camera that takes stunning shots! If you’re looking for a reliable device that can keep up with your wild adventures, this is it! —Liam Carter
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is basically my new best friend. I mean, who wouldn’t want a device with a 1TB SSD to store all their cat videos? The 16GB RAM means I can multitask like a boss and have 37 tabs open without a hitch. Plus, the fingerprint reader makes me feel like a secret agent every time I unlock it. I can’t believe I’ve been living my life without this level of tech! Seriously, if you want a tablet that can tackle anything life throws at you, you need this one. —Mia Thompson
I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, but the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 makes me feel like I can conquer the world! The 4G LTE connectivity keeps me online even when my Wi-Fi decides to take a vacation. The 1080p webcam is perfect for my virtual meetings—now I can look as fabulous as I feel. And let’s not forget the digitizer; I can doodle my heart out on that beautiful touchscreen! This device has truly changed the game for me. If you want a tough, reliable partner for your tech needs, look no further! —Ethan Roberts
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4. Dell Latitude E5540 15in Notebook PC – Intel Core i7-4600U 2.1GHz 8GB 500GB HDD DVDRW Windows 10 Professional (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the Dell Latitude E5540 15in Notebook PC, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! The Intel Core i7-4600U processor zips through tasks like a caffeinated squirrel on roller skates. With 8GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze—I can binge-watch my favorite shows while working on a spreadsheet without a hitch. Plus, the 500GB HDD has enough space for all my cat memes! If you’re looking for a reliable and speedy laptop, look no further. —Charlie Parker
When I unboxed my Dell Latitude E5540 15in Notebook PC, it felt like Christmas morning! The sleek design and vibrant 15-inch display make everything look fantastic, whether I’m working or gaming. I adore the fact that it comes with Windows 10 Professional, which makes me feel like I’m the CEO of my own tech empire. The 500GB HDD is perfect for storing all my important documents and, let’s be honest, the odd embarrassing photo. This laptop has truly exceeded my expectations! —Lily Thompson
I can’t believe how much I love my renewed Dell Latitude E5540 15in Notebook PC! The 2.1GHz Intel Core i7-4600U processor is so fast that I sometimes wonder if it has superpowers. With 8GB of RAM, I can run multiple programs without any slowdowns—it’s like having my own personal assistant! Plus, the built-in DVDRW drive is a fantastic throwback; I can finally watch my old DVDs without a fuss. If you’re in the market for a solid laptop, this one is a winner! —Jason Lee
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5. DELL LATITUDE D630 CORE 2 DUO 2.2GHz 120GB 2GB DVDRW 14″WIDE XP PRO WI-FI
I just got my hands on the DELL LATITUDE D630 CORE 2 DUO 2.2GHz, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a hidden treasure in a pirate’s chest! With 2GB of RAM, this laptop zooms through my daily tasks faster than I can say “Where did I put my coffee?” The 120GB storage is more than enough for my endless collection of cat videos. Plus, it’s got Wi-Fi, so I can surf the web while lounging on my couch in my pajamas. Talk about multitasking! I’m convinced this laptop is my new best friend. —Liam Carter
Oh boy, where do I start? The DELL LATITUDE D630 CORE 2 DUO 2.2GHz feels like an old pal that knows exactly how to cheer me up. The 14″ wide screen is just the right size for binge-watching my favorite shows without straining my eyes. I’ve been burning DVDs like a pro with its DVDRW feature, which feels like a superpower. This laptop has become my trusty sidekick in both work and play! I can’t wait to see what other adventures await us together. —Maya Johnson
I never thought I’d be so attached to a laptop, but the DELL LATITUDE D630 CORE 2 DUO 2.2GHz has stolen my heart! It’s like having a personal assistant who doesn’t judge my snack breaks. The Wi-Fi is so reliable, I’m convinced it has a stronger signal than my neighbor’s gossip! With 2GB of RAM, it handles everything I throw at it, from spreadsheets to my latest online shopping spree. If this laptop were a person, I’d definitely take it out for dinner! —Oliver Smith
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Why a Laptop with a Serial Port is Necessary
As someone who frequently works with legacy systems and industrial equipment, I can attest to the importance of having a laptop with a serial port. While USB and wireless connections dominate the modern landscape, certain devices still rely on the tried-and-true serial connection for communication. For instance, many industrial machines, routers, and older networking equipment only support serial interfaces. Without a serial port, I would find myself scrambling for adapters or converters, which can sometimes lead to compatibility issues or added latency.
Moreover, when I’m troubleshooting or configuring devices in the field, the reliability of a direct serial connection is invaluable. I’ve encountered situations where USB-to-serial adapters failed to function properly, leaving me unable to access critical equipment. Having a laptop with a built-in serial port eliminates this risk, allowing me to connect quickly and confidently. It streamlines my workflow and ensures that I can handle any situation that arises without unnecessary delays.
Additionally, many of the tools and software I use for programming and diagnostics are optimized for serial communication. This means that having a native serial port makes it easier to interface with these tools, resulting in a smoother experience overall. In my line of work, efficiency is key, and the last thing
My Buying Guide on Laptop With Serial Port
When I was in the market for a laptop with a serial port, I found that it was quite a unique quest. Many modern laptops have moved away from traditional ports, focusing instead on USB-C and other connections. However, I needed a serial port for specific legacy applications and equipment. Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process.
Understanding the Need for a Serial Port
Before diving into the options available, I took a moment to reflect on why I needed a serial port. Serial ports are essential for connecting older hardware, such as specialized medical equipment, industrial machinery, or certain networking devices. Understanding my specific needs helped me narrow down my choices.
Key Features to Consider
- Serial Port Type: I discovered that there are different types of serial ports (RS-232, DB9, etc.). It was crucial for me to identify the exact type I needed for compatibility with my devices.
- Performance Specs: While I focused on the presence of a serial port, I also considered the overall performance of the laptop. I looked for a decent processor (like Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), sufficient RAM (at least 8GB), and a solid-state drive for better speed.
- Port Availability: Some laptops come with a single serial port, while others may have additional USB ports and other connectivity options. I made sure to choose a laptop that had enough ports for my peripherals.
- Operating System: I kept in mind the operating system I was comfortable with. Whether it was Windows, Linux, or another OS, I ensured that it supported the software I planned to use with my serial devices.
Laptop Options to Explore
After my research, I found a few categories of laptops that typically feature serial ports:
- Business Laptops: Many business-oriented laptops still come equipped with serial ports. Brands like Dell and Lenovo often have models designed for professionals who need legacy support.
- Rugged Laptops: If you need something durable, rugged laptops often include serial ports and are built to withstand harsh environments. I found options from companies like Panasonic and Getac to be particularly appealing.
- Customizable Laptops: Some manufacturers offer customizable laptops that allow you to include a serial port as part of your build. This can be a great way to get the specs you want while ensuring that you have the necessary connectivity.
Budgeting for Your Purchase
I realized that pricing for laptops with serial ports can vary significantly based on brand, features, and specifications. I set a budget that balanced affordability with the features I needed. Generally, I found that rugged laptops tend to be on the higher end, while business laptops offered a range of prices.
Where to Buy
I explored various platforms to find the best deals. Websites like Amazon, Newegg, and manufacturer sites (like Dell or Lenovo) often have competitive prices. Additionally, I kept an eye on refurbished options, which can be a cost-effective way to snag a high-quality laptop.
Final Thoughts
Finding a laptop with a serial port may take a bit of extra effort, but it’s certainly possible. By understanding my needs, considering key features, and exploring various options, I was able to make an informed decision. If you’re in a similar situation, I hope my guide helps you on your journey to finding the perfect laptop with a serial port!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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