Tech support email to the Cable Guy:
Cable Guy,
I have an IBM laptop that is running on Windows XP, but it does not have a DB9 RS232 Serial Port. Is there an adapter of some sort that will allow me to connect a serial cable to my Express Card slot or USB?
Help!
Sleepless and serial-less in Seattle
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Dear sleepless and serial-less in Seattle,
Yes! There are a couple ways that you can connect your serial devices to your laptop. My preferred way is through the Expresscard slot. You can pick up a converter for $20 from WhataCable! Item # EXP-DB9 Click here With this adapter you simply plug in the Expresscard to the Express-card slot, and there is a DB9 cable that attaches to the ExpressCard. A CD with drivers comes with it. It is really easy to use and works with most systems. (It does not work with Mac/Apple, but what does?)
The other option is more common, but less stable. It is a USB to Serial adapter / converter. WhataCable! carries this for about $15. Item # USBM-DB9M-01 click here. This adapter plugs into the USB port and the other side is a DB9 RS232 connector. The drawbacks with this solution is that it takes one of your USB ports, and if you're like me, you always seem to need more USB ports than you have. Also, the device that you are connecting needs to be supported by USB.
Everything considered, I like the Expresscard to RS232 DB9 converter the best. But either way, you can connect what you need, despite IBM and the other laptop manufacturers discontinuing the wonderful DB9 RS232 port.
Until Next Time -
The Cable Guy
www.professionalcable.com
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