[c-nsp] USB to serial converter

[Jeffrey Ollie]

On 2/3/08, Frank Bulk <frnkblk at iname.com> wrote:
> This is why on another listserv's short list of "tools for techs to have", a
> laptop with a real serial port was near the top of everyone's list.  In our
> workplace that's a requirement for any tech laptop we buy.  We've wasted way
> to much time installing drivers, recovering from blue screens and lock ups,
> and toting along and digging out yet another cable.

Plus the tendency to leave the USB/Serial dongle at home.  Although, a
USB/Serial dongle is very useful as a 2nd or even 3rd serial port if
you can get them working reliably.  Keyspan also makes a very nice 4
port USB/Serial adaper that I use at my desk for configuring
routers/switches before deployment or when labbing something up.  With
a long USB extension cable I can have my desktop PC on one side of my
cube and the serial ports are on the other side of my cube where I
have some clear horizontal space to set up the gear that I'm working
on.

Oh yeah - don't forget to take your laptop's power adapter - batteries
always seem to last 5min shorter than you need them to.

Jeff