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0 points1MachineElf5y ago0 comments

I can't answer for the parent comment, but I've configured different appliances over serial cables in datacenters, and in each situation, it would have been more convenient to have had a nice dedicated device like this instead of a big fat "business" laptop.

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4 comments · 1 top-level

_0w8t5y ago· 3 in thread

A USB serial dongle plus any of those netbook-like or smaller form factor laptops should do the trick. I suppose one can get that used for below 100 USD unless one needs a dongle that does proper 12 volts. That alone may cost over 100 USD.

throwawayboise5y ago

The USB serial dongle with a cheap Chromebook is what I use in the data center if I need to connect to a switch or other device with a serial port. The Chromebook runs all day without charging and it's small and light.

1MachineElfOP5y ago

You are 100% right, but I would still buy a VT-69 (if it existed) simply because I'd rather have just a 4-foot RS232 cable instead of a 4-foot RS232 cable plus 3-foot USB adapter. Less extra cable, less potential for tangles / tripping, easier time overall.

_0w8t5y ago

The serial-usb adapters that I used at my previous work, including the real one providing the proper 12V, where finger-size dongles with a serial port and a flexible cable of similar length leading to USB-A connector. Essentially one one just attaches it to the serial cable and connect to the laptop as necessary making the dongle very unobtrusive serial cable extension.

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