Keyspan, the folks who make a variety of Mac peripherals, has a new Mini Port Replicator that combines a USB serial adapter, USB parallel printer adapter and 2-port USB hub into one laptop accessory.
With a retail value of US$79, the replicator can be used on any USB equipped Mac or Wintel system. It’s bus powered, so it doesn’t need an external power supply.
“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.”