Possibly the best semi-rugged ultra-light with optical drive
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Panasonic knew it was on to something with its ruggedized, yet very compact and lightweight T- and W-Series Toughbook models. However, while everyone loved the small size and light weight of those machines, many customers want a larger display and a faster processor--without sacrificing the small size and light weight. Panasonic complied by creating the Toughbook Y2. It has a speedy 1.6GHz Intel 778 processor and weighs just 3.4 pounds, much less than most competing (and non-rugged) consumer notebooks. The 14.1-inch display necessitated a somewhat larger footprint, but Panasonic still managed to keep weight down to a stunning 3.4 pounds. The brilliant anti-glare display has a very high 1400x1050 pixel resolution that's perfect for increasingly complex websites and cluttered desktops (as well as watching DVDs). The price is high, but this may just be the best durable lightweight notebook available anywhere.