World’s lightest 12.1 inch laptop is here! The Panasonic Toughbook S9 has claimed to be the lightest 12 inch laptop (with DVD drive) in the world and its researchers have proved it right. The sturdy S9 offers an exceptional durability with high performance and an endurance to bear all kinds of beatings. With an 11 hour battery backup, is the best option for professionals who are always on move.
Design and Performance
At first when you look at the Panasonic Toughbook S9, it appears to be bulky; but the 8.3” x 11.1” x 0.9”/1.5” laptop with a weight of approximately 3 pounds, is the lightest laptop in the 12-inch category. The case of the S9 is made of tough magnesium alloy and also features a shock mounted flex-connect hard drive, which can bear rugged environments and can also withstand a fall of almost 2.5 feet. The MIL-STD-810G drop procedure in the S9 too allows it to endure falls from any angle. The keyboard and touch pad are also designed to resist spills, bumps and knocks.
The Toughbook S9 has got a 12.1-inch, widescreen LED display with an anti-glare coating and a resolution of 1280×800. The anti-glare coating is very efficient for outdoor usage, another plus point for mobile professionals who have to work in bright lights. The S9 is also the first laptop in the Toughbook series to feature a HDMI video output, a welcome addition.
The USP of the S9 can be, it’s claimed, 11 hour long battery backup, which is one of the longest offered in laptops currently. This feature alone is enough to sell the S9 as hot cakes. The machine also features a combination of fingerprint sensor and TPM security chip, for protecting sensitive data. The laptop has a PC Card slot, but it would have better to have the latest ExpressCard standard. Also, the price of the S9 is bit on the higher side.
Technical Specification
| Dimensions | 282.8×209.6×38.7 mm |
| Weight | 1.36 kg |
| Screen Size (diagonal) | 12.1 inch |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×800 |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional |
| Processor | Core i5 |
| Processor speed | 2.4GHz |
| Processor number | 520M |
| Hard Drive | 320 GB |
| RAM | 2048 MB |
| Card Reader | SD, MMC |
| Optical drive | DVD writer drive |
| Ports | 3xUSB 2.0; VGA;HDMI |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Webcam | No |
| Sound Hardware | Integrated audio; 1 x speaker |
| Modem | 56K data/fax |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 |
| Wireless LAN | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Built-in devices | 1 x Type II PC card slot; TPM security chip |
| Graphics hardware | Intel GMA 4500 HD |
| Expansion slot | PC card type II x 1, SD Card (SDXC) |
| Integrated option | Gobi2000 mobile broadband (EV-DO Rev.A, HSPA), Fingerprint reader |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion battery |
| Battery life | 11 hours (manufacturer claimed) |
| Warranty | 3 years limited, parts and labor |
The Bottom line
The Panasonic Toughbook S9 is an amazing laptop, packed with an excellent body build and performance. It is a sturdy, rugged and durable but lightweight machine, which can withstand falls and spills. Also, the 11 hour battery backup is a great boon. The price can be an issue, as it is bit steep. But for the mobile professionals and outdoor enthusiasts, the S9 is a great deal.