USBGear 12 inch USB to Serial RS-232 DB-9 Pin Adapter with FTDI Chipset for Windows 10, 8, 7 and Mac Systems - Use for Laptop Serial Port, PDA, GPS, Modems, Routers and More 4.2 out of. Few computers have more than two serial ports. Essentially, serial ports provide a standard connector and protocol to let you attach devices, such as modems, to your computer. In this edition of How Stuff Works, you will learn about the difference between a parallel port and a serial port, what each pin does and what flow control is.
Laptops with Serial Ports Are Still Very Much Relevant
If you've been looking for a laptop with a serial port, you may have become discouraged. Since the advent of USBs, serial ports on a laptop are becoming harder to find. Luckily, if this is a feature you need on either a new or used laptop, eBay has many options for you to browse at varying price points.
Why don't all laptops have a laptop serial port?A laptop serial port, also called an RS-232 port, used to be standard on every computer. Originally, the intention was for it to be used to connect to a modem. Over time, they were required to connect to things such as printers, keyboards, and mice. When USBs became the new standard, the serial ports fell to the wayside, and many new laptops did not have them as an option. However, if you want a laptop with a serial port, you can find many different price points on eBay.
Which manufacturers still make laptops with serial ports?
Since an RS232 port is no longer considered a requirement, not all laptops have them. This makes them hard to find. You have to expand your search to online retailers such as eBay to find one. You can find the following brands of laptops with serial ports on eBay:
- HP
- Dell
- Lenovo
- Panasonic
- Toshiba
Notebook Computers With Serial Ports
When there has not yet been a monitor or a keyboard installed, a serial port can be used to connect to a server. In these situations, there is no connection to a network, so the serial port serves as the connection between the computer and the server or the router. Doing so takes the place of an Ethernet cable. Bear in mind, however, that this does not mean the laptop serial port has the same capabilities of an Ethernet.
Desktop Computer With Serial Port
Are laptop serial ports enabled to plug and play?If the device you try to connect has a power button, make sure it is turned on before plugging it into the laptop. That gives the laptop a chance to detect new hardware. If your laptop is not sensing something is plugged into your laptop serial port, you may have to download software or drivers for it to work. If it's still not working, contact the manufacturer to determine if your hardware is compatible with your laptop.