BMichael@... wrote:
> 
> >The iMac doesn't have any RS232 / RS423 serial ports, only USB. This means
> >that anything that needs RS232 serial output, such as a Midi box, a serial
> >printer, or my Robot Arm, can't be connected.
> >
> >is there such a thing as a USB  to RS232 converter ? How do you connect
> >these other devices to an iMac ? Or is it impossible ?
> 
> There are converters; whether they _work_ or not depends on the driver
> software you're using, from the reviews I've read. So far the reports are
> mixed. Some printers work, most don't, etc. I have no idea whether FB's
> serial port commands would be correctly "trapped" by the converter's
> driver and routed correctly.
> 
> I love the looks of the iMac, think they are perfect for adding to
> existing Mac networks, and have no problem recommending them for new
> users who understand the "no floppy" issue; but I still think for anybody
> who's a "power user", the iMac has more disadvantages than advantages.
> Where does my 2nd monitor card go? Nowhere. SCSI CD-R, scanner, Syquest,
> external hard drive(s)? Nowhere. ADB joystick and ergonomic keyboard?
> Nowhere. Serial printer? Ditto. Even if you _don't_ already own these
> things, you may want to, and there may not be a USB version you like yet.
> (USB is nowhere near fast enough for an external hard drive, anyway.)
> Sure, USB will grow, and quickly now that there's the iMac, but still...
> You can add USB and 100BaseT to any G3...

Come on Bill, we've been through all this before it seems. The iMac isn't made
for that kind of user, so why bother list all the stuff it won't do? 

It works beautifully for the purposes for which it was designed. You'd expect
it to work beautifully for things for which it wasn't designed?? Why? Buy a G3
for that stuff.

Makes me think you have something against blue :)

PB

Loves the iMac's at his company, which are doing exactly what they are
supposed to do, flawlessly.