Posted on 05/23/2009 9:13:14 AM PDT by RangerM
I run software that requires a serial port, and a usb-to-serial converter doesn't work reliably, and a port replicator is not a good option.
Anyone know of a current model laptop with RS-232 built in?
I given up trying to search the manufacturers' websites.
Not anything you could buy new.
Why not just use a USB to RS-232 adapter?
That’s what I do.
I need to connect to the serial ports of various systems with my laptop. I go into the lab with my handy Radio Shack USB-Serial adapter, and I’m good to go.
Some laptops come with an optional connector for expansion to serial-parallel ports thru an additional part.
There are software programs and hardware made to emulate RS232 thru Bluetooth devices. Check out blueconsole.com for more.
Other than that, you’ll have to go to a used laptop to get it to work.
http://www.tristar.com/
I can sell ya one of mine.
call Tiger Direct. They have excellent technical staff who will happily help you and sell what you need at a fair price.
1-800-800-8300
It can be had pretty cheaply on the Dell Outlet.
I purchased one of those adapters for my laptop but it works only intermittently. I do have a 10 year old toshiba that has a serial port and use it exclusively, along with procomm, when I have to connect directly to the equipment..it works like a charm..
EXPANDABILITY:
I/O Ports:
Serial, docking connector, S-Video, IEEE-1394, 4 USB, VGA, headphone/speaker out, RJ-11, RJ-45, AC power, integrated microphone
I am certain your laptop has a USB port. Why not purchase a USB to RS232 adapter for about $20.00. http://www.usbserial.com/
Your best bet is to purchase one of these laptop cards with your laptop.
My Dell Latitude has one. You can probably get a converter.
After looking through the Dell Latitude line, a lot of them have serial ports. Check out the “Tech Specs” on the “Product Details” page and look for “Expandability,” then “Ports,” and it will say Serial if it has it.
But as I said before, I can confirm that the Latitude D531 has it.
He says in the very first sentence that he believes usb to rs232 does not work reliably.
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
Just asking, but how did you know where to look? All the Websites’ “Find what’s right for me” features never ask about RS232, and even a Google search comes up with older threads, that fail to mention newer models.
Here is the main page for Latitudes, select a category, then you will see models, choose "Product Details" below the model to go to its details, then "Tech Specs."
My Dell Inspiron 1525 lists one as COM 3 Baud rate 128000 in it’s Hardware System Information
I have one and have used it for years without a problem.
The Thinkpad T40 series were the last Thinkpads to come with a serial port and they aren’t too outdated. Try to get yourself a T42 or T43.
You said you’ve had problems with adapters. Are you using the cheapo brand or a quality one made by Keyspan? I don’t know what your application is, but we use Keyspans for emulators, UART, etc, etc with no problems ever. You can check some reviews here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812999081
Chances are the serial port is connected via USB internally. The chipsets used in PCs today do not have actual UART hardware.
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