New computers don't have RS 232 ports!

[nicholtl]

I will soon be getting myself a new PC laptop (already own 2 macs), but I've been doing some research and it seems to me like not a single computer nowadays has an RS 232 port, which is required to plug into both the C2 and the MX700 remote whenever updates or reconfigurations are needed.

An I mistaken and there are indeed, RS 232 ports on every computer that is being released, or is everyone here using a special adapter of sorts?

[MarkStega]

For laptops without serial connectors (and you are correct, very few come with a comm port as standard equipment these days), you can use a USB adapter to prvide legacy support (like http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/st...&dualCurrId=73) which is a Targus product.

[ThomasW]

This is a reason to get an appropriate docking station or port replicator for the laptop.....

[nicholtl]

Mark - thanks for the info! That's exactly the kind of product that would solve all my nightmares.

Thomas - that's the dopest looking avatar i've ever seen!

[Chris D]

This is something that I was worried about at first, as I would need a laptop to be able to interface with a couple components, like the Halo gear and some performance programming modules in my sports car. But I too plan on using a USB-Serial adapter if and when I pick up a laptop.

[nicholtl]

Yeah, I was thinking about that too, Chris, but darn those adapters are pricey. $75-$100 just for a darn serial port - USB? My goodness. Maybe it's possible for the upgradable section on the back of the controller units to be fitted with USB or firewire ports in the future. And like I posted in the other thread, it would be nice for the software to be both PC and Macintosh compatible. One can only hope...