Aten UC-232A USB Adapter

Pros: Good quaility, ease of instalation
Cons: short cable

I bought two of these for a Windows XP machine to bring in serial port data; one for a AutoXray automotive scanner and one for a Delorme earthmap GPS.

I simply put them both in the usb ports and they worked fine.

My only grip is the cable length is short. Serial cables are usually long enough by them selfs, so everything works out, but now I have the two ends hanging from the back.

I also used it with a Tablet for MapPoint 2004 tracking, and it works fine.

Pros: Easy to Install, Easy to Use, Simple, Clearly Written Instructions
Cons: High Cost

After a lot of testing with different models and manufacturers of Serial Adapters / USB to Serial Converter Cables, we concluded that the Aten model UC232A was the best, hands down. It was simple to install, plug and play. Some other models from Radio Shack and cheap generic models were difficult and time consuming to install and others didn't even function correctly. We're a telecommunications test equipment manufacturer and when we have to recommend a Serial Adapter / USB to Serial Converter Cable to our customers for use with our satellite meters and other instruments, it's a no brainer...we want our customers to be happy, so we tell them about the Aten UC232A.

It's more expensive than other Serial Adapters / USB to Serial Converter Cables, but it's worth every penny to prevent the headache.

As another user mentions, the cable could be longer, but that's not a big deal.