W520 - I need Serial port (rs232/485) in the machine or docking station?

[Fre_ZZe]

Hi,

I'm considering switching out my "old" W500 with the new W520 machine. I now have serial port through my dockingstation, but i have not found any dockings for W520 with serial port out

Is there a way to solve this issue, can I use the new W520  with my old W500 docking maybe?

[harrisb]

There are several USB -> RS232 solutions available from different suppliers. You could also use an ExpressCard adapter on the system itself.

[Fre_ZZe]

Thanx for the tip, I will consider that..

The problem is, that the software we are using and testing is very sensitive about USB converters and adapters.. I really need direct input to the laptop - or through a docking station.

So - ithere any docking station for w520 with serial port - or can i use my old docking? Will the W520 fit in a docking made for W500 ?

[someotherguy]

There is only one dock that works with W520 and it does not have a serial port.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/W-Series-ThinkPad-Laptops/Dock-compatibility-table-for-W500-W510-W520/ta...

Serial and parallel ports have gone away and they aren't ever coming back.  For modems and VGA ports, their days are numbered.  Your only choices are to continue using old systems that have these ports or start using converter devices like what harrisb suggested.

[nibs Guru]

I would suggest you try a Keyspan USB to serial port adapter. I have found them to work better than other such adapters.