Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 341

Looking for an alternative to lugging a serial cradle on the road for my laptop (thinkPad) w/o USB port....

Anyone have success using a simple adapter from a USB/PS2 mouse-you know, the green adapter that ships with them? I have one from a mouse I just installed as USB (direct). I do have an unused PS2 post on the laptop. (I do have a USB cable)

TIA
Mike

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Watertown MA, USA
Posts: 15

What about IR?

I doubt that the PS2 Mouse --> USB converter would work (I have no knowledge, I just don't think it will work). Does your thinkpad have na IR port? Can't you sync via IR?

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 341

I've tried the IR sync route. No joy. WAY too difficult. It the ThinkPad's handling of the IR port w/serial. It's just a mess.

Mike

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 4

Look into a pcmcia USB port. Just got the latest issue of Tigerdirect.com catalog, they have one for $65, with 2 ports.

Hope this helps!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by dequardo
Anyone have success using a simple adapter from a USB/PS2 mouse

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 26

Yes you can sync with Ir and a ThinkPad

I have an IBM ThinkPad and got the Ir to Sync with my Visor. Took a little tweaking, but it works great. Let me know if you are interested in trying it.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 63

It took a LOT of tweaking on my laptop but it was well worth it. I highly recommend the IR syncing method. No cables to lose or break and its just as fast as the serial cable. It really not slow at all, its no USB but its quicker than you think.

I would call up tech support and get them on the line about your problems. It'll save you money(no cable, software is free) and time(just point and click to sync up, no hooking up cables).

VisorHolic

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Registered: May 2000
Location:
Posts: 209

Is it that when you said your ThinkPad doesn't have a USB port, is it because you plugged in a USB mouse into the USB port?

Or is it that you really meant your ThinkPad does not have a USB port, period. Doesn't have one. Not built in. Which means your ThinkPad is rather old (pre-1997 model, by chance?), yes?

If it's the latter, all of the previous suggestions are good. If it's the former, I'll save the comment for another time if it's true.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 341

1) No USB ports at all. nada.

2) I did jump through the 'configure your IBM ThinkPad for IR' threads. Despite a dozen reboots and playing with the COM ports (COM 5 I believe)and IRQ's the BEST I could do was get the Windows IR to BRIEFLY recognize a device. I could never get it to hold for more than a few seconds despite every possible lining up of the IR ports. WAY too difficult and I could never count on it if I had to while on the road.

Mike