I didnt realize this until now. I just picked up a nice new acer with top of the line cpu/ram/v.card etc and It doesn't have all the ports on the back as does my oldschool compaq. Its the power key that I'm concerned about. the laptop does have the smaller port connection. Is there an adapter out there or does dfi sell anything that converts that ugly old 30 pin thing o usb etc ?

help !

 

Yes. I use a Dell Inspiron 9300 which doesn't have serial ports. I picked up a serial->USB converter cable and it works. It didn't work right out of the box, I had to install the converter cable (it has hardware inside the cable for the conversion) and then in the device manager, you'll see the USB converter cable installed as a hardware device. Go to properties and change the com port (com 1-4) and try to connect to the DFI till it connects. I had to change mine from com 4 to com 1.

I use a Gen 6 accel DFI like this.

 

I think you mean the 25 pin?

http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Serial.html

Like that maybe?

Another option is just to get a serial PCMCIA Card...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...serial&x=0&y=0

 

yes I meant both ports. My gen 7 has the ecm tuning cable and also a 25 pin 'power key'. My new laptop has neither.

I spoke to Mike at DFI today and luckily for me They just released a usb tuning cable that has the power key in it. It's $170 usd or so. I looked at the links provided (thanks !) and knowing the adapters exist they would run me about $60. The good thing is that they would extend my tuning cable but the power key would be dangling from the adapter.

I purchased an older laptop as well just now and its up to me wether or not I go with the new laptop and usb/key from dfi or just stick with what I've got with a new used laptop.

 

Heck, for working on the car... might be just as well to keep an older one around, so if it gets a ding or two - well, no big deal