Later this month Keyspan will introduce its newest product, a Mini Port Replicator that will retail for US$79. The Replicator will combine a USB serial adapter, USB parallel printer adapter and 2-port USB hub into one laptop accessory.
It can be used on any USB-equipped Mac or PC; and since it’s a bus-powered device, no external power adapter is needed.
“Most new laptops no longer have serial and parallel ports, yet many people still use serial and parallel devices,” said Keyspan President Mike Ridenhour. “The Keyspan Mini Port Replicator solves this problem by providing an easy way to connect serial devices and parallel printers to the laptop’s USB port.”
He said that in contrast to the Mini Port Replicator, most port replicators resemble bulky docking stations larger in size and weight and are more expensive.