Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 19, 2011 I have 3 machines that I use all working on USB. I am looking for a hub or other solution to have all of these plugged in at once as I am constantly getting error messages saying I have failed to plug in my device (due to something else being plugged in). I have 3 ports on my laptop however 2 of them are in constant use my the dongle key for my LXi and Mouse. That leaves me always switching my machines between. I know everyone says not to use Hubs with these devices but am wondering if anyone has and if they could share their experience good or bad. It is a laptop so I don't have the option to use the serial port and I have a few towers I could bring in just no funds to buy a monitor at this time. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted October 19, 2011 would these work for you? You can add a serial card to a laptop. and use serial cables. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-StarTech-com-4-Port-PCI-Express-Serial-Adapter-Card-/400211375381?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2e74f515 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Dual-RS232-DB9-Serial-Port-PCI-I-O-Card-Adapter-/200579359835?pt=AU_Components&hash=item2eb376245b all different kinds on EBAY, and other electronic stores. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 19, 2011 That would work I just have no way to install a PCMCIA card to my laptop. It's an Acer Aspire. Wasn't the cheapest but not the best either. I appreciate the response Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deth502 39 Posted October 21, 2011 if the cutter wont work on a hub, then why not plug the cutter in and put the mouse and dongle on the hub? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 21, 2011 if the cutter wont work on a hub, then why not plug the cutter in and put the mouse and dongle on the hub? I tried that for a while and my dongle loses connections every so often and my LXi would freeze because if it.. I lost a few projects I was working on because I failed to save them every so often as I work on them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roxanneupnorth 106 Posted October 21, 2011 A laptop will never be as good and/or as reliable as a desktop computer.....If mobile you have few option, but if at a fixed location build yourself a desktop to use.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 21, 2011 I have a desktop here but my monitor died and I have to get a new one so for now I am stuck with the laptop as my only source.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roxanneupnorth 106 Posted October 21, 2011 Phone your friends......Chances are they have a spare monitor or 2 kicking around.....I just looked in my basement and found 2 monitors, 3 printers, a scanner and 3 towers in my abandoned computer collection.....Looked inside one of the towers to see what was in it for memory......Found 2 sticks of 256mb with a price tag on 226.99 on each......Ugh....Sign up for NewEgg's email and they often have sweet deals all kinds of computer stuff.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 21, 2011 I have a buddy who does alot with computers he has a couple of 17" flat panels but I had a 19" and I think I want to go to like a 21" or so.... I have never heard of 256mb sticks being worth that much.. must be something really rare or not made anymore?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roxanneupnorth 106 Posted October 21, 2011 I have never heard of 256mb sticks being worth that much.. must be something really rare or not made anymore?? I am guessing about 10 to 15 years old...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr12volt1338 116 Posted October 21, 2011 Wow I have 2 at home I should open up and see what is in them they are from 99 and 2000 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted October 29, 2011 Why not check fleabay for a used commercial computer? Most have parallel and serial ports that are more stable and most have xp pro that imo is a much better operating system for vinyl cutting . I have my p cut on serial and my dgi on60 on parallel and they both work great. My desk top was purchased on eBay $30.00 with coa on the xp and refurbished on the computer it has worked flawlessly for a couple years and have another unit bought the sameway for a spare. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
