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Thread: Smallest laptop with native serial (RS232) port

  1. #1
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    Smallest laptop with native serial (RS232) port

    Since I've ruled out any possibility for diagnozing ADS modules with any serial adapter cable, now looking for the other way around: finding a compact laptop with native RS232 port.

    So far the smallest I could find is a 14" old laptop. I'm looking for 12" or smaller.

    But maybe I'm again looking for something that does not exist and I'm sure I'm not the first one to be looking for such a device.
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  2. #2
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    $250 for a quality ICOM clone with Ethernet/LAN communication. You can get clones with wifi, if you search around, so then you can use it with a modern laptop/tablet.


    I used a Dell Latitude E6430 with a dock which gives the laptop a true serial port... But it's not nearly that small. I hardly use that because ICOM does everything.
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    $250 for a quality ICOM clone with Ethernet/LAN communication. You can get clones with wifi, if you search around, so then you can use it with a modern laptop/tablet.


    I used a Dell Latitude E6430 with a dock which gives the laptop a true serial port... But it's not nearly that small. I hardly use that because ICOM does everything.
    Thing is with the ICOM I still need to carry a big extra item with its cables and everything. I have my GT1 yellowhead for current ADS stuff, but my whole point is to not have to carry around some ICOM/Yellowhead.

    A serial interface is just a cable with a tiny box. So a tablet with RS232 port, not simulated, would be my ideal picture.


    I'm using a 8" Win10 (32 bit) Acer tablet and a USB-OBD-20pin setup. Which is perfect portability wise, just lacking the ADS connectivity.

    I did find a 12" Sahara Slate tablet with a true RS232 port. Never heard of that brand before. Gonna investigate further.
    1998 BMW M3 3.2 Cabrio • Alpinweiί III on Schwarz • German spec • 1 of 12
    SMG • SRA • PDC • AUC • OBC • GSM • HK • UURS • IHKA • FGR • MFL

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