I am told that we have uses for RTS and CTS on serial and that many USB 
converters don't operate it right or at all. This one comes highly recommended, 
and they have a shorter cable version too, but their distribution system is wacky.

http://pfranc.com/cgi-bin/P/USBdb9m

Apparently, an individual signs up for life to distribute a certain product in 
a given country, and you have to go to them for it. The mfg is a 3 person shop 
in Oregon. It's all explained on the site in places.

-Skip


Xiaofan Chen wrote:
> 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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