When I was shopping for a notebook PC a few years ago, I noticed that some had no floppy drive, no serial port, etc., so I really had to read the tech specs carefully to make sure I knew what I was getting. The marketing game is all about selling features, not listing what isn't included!

I have been very pleased with my PC and currently have no plans to replace it. If I by another PC, it will be a test box so I can finally jump on this Linux bandwagon thing!

Also, I had a customer that wanted to upgrade his system throughput, so he decided to interface his 8051-based micro via USB-serial adapter cable to take advantage of higher baud rates on the PC. I spent an hour trying to get the drivers installed and configured, and then gave up. I simply never got it to work. I can't imagine having the same problem with a real serial port.

Needless to say, I would say that I share some of Craig's opinions about USB.

-- Tom Bachmann