- Japan continues to launch new laptops with ports that disappeared from global designs
- NEC VersaPro VX-R combines retro hardware with updated business specifications
- VGA and DVD support shows how Japanese buyers prioritize long-running workflows
Japan continues to stand out as the only market where retro technology is still a normal part of new product launches.
The arrival of the NEC VersaPro VX-R reinforces this pattern because it combines an Intel Core Ultra processor with features that disappeared from most global lines.
A VGA port and DVD burner now seem unusual on a modern laptop, but Japan remains the only region where these components still appear on new machines.
The Japanese seem to love retro technology
Previous releases this year followed the same direction, including a Dynabook T-Series with Blu-ray drive and a Fujitsu A77-K3. with an optical drive.
The VersaPro VX-R, a new Japanese laptop, combines new processing with old connectors.
This device runs Windows 11 Pro and offers a choice of Core Ultra 7 265U, Core Ultra 5 235U, or Core Ultra 5 225U processors.
All of these chips are built around Intel’s current low-power platform with an NPU for AI tasks.
Memory expands up to 32GB, while storage options range from 256GB to 1TB with hardware encryption.
NEC equips the laptop with a 15.6-inch display, available in HD or Full HD, and the higher resolution panel uses IPS technology to improve viewing angles.
Battery life is approximately six hours for video playback and approximately ten hours idle based on the JEITA 3.0 method.
The device supports Wi-Fi 7 and wired LAN, and is touted by NEC as a business laptop designed for reliable daily use.
Security features include Secured-Core PC support, biometric authentication via an IR webcam or fingerprint sensor, and BIOS self-recovery aligned with recognized guidelines.
The device includes five USB ports, HDMI output, SD card support, a wired LAN connector and the unusual combination of VGA and an internal DVD burner.
Those last two additions are still useful in meeting rooms, schools, and institutions that haven’t replaced older projectors or filing systems.
The VersaPro VX-R also supports a hardware scan utility that can check the CPU, memory, and other components from Windows or BIOS.
This helps users identify problems without specialized assistance. Support services include quick repair options and an extensive maintenance network throughout Japan.
The continued release of laptops with older connectors shows how local expectations influence design and explains why laptops like this still appear in Japan.
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