Just happen to read this forum thread.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=29&threadid=2243939

Legacy ports: IDE, PS/2 ports, PCI slot, serial port, parallel port

My new desktop (Acer M1641) still has one IDE, two PS/2 ports,
2 PCI slots and one serial port, no parallel port.

Many laptops will have no PS/2 ports, no serial port and no
parallel port.

To me PS/2 ports are necessary because sometimes Linux
still has problems with USB mouse and keyboard during
setup or grub screen.

IDE on the Acer M1641 has dismay performance. And I think
it can be safely removed for many people buying a new PC.

PCI slots are necessary. My TV tuner card is still PCI. And
people who need real serial and parallel port may need to
install PCI card with real serial/parallel port.

Serial port is always nice to have. I'd like to have two.
USB->Serial port sometimes do not work.

Parallel port is getting rare. Now I can not use the
JTAG debuggers I have (one for ARM, the other for MSP430
but I have not really used MSP430) after my old desktop
died unexpectedly.

What is your thought on the legacy ports? What is your
solution when you need them?

Xiaofan
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