i built up the JDM serial programmer, with the EEPROM attachment, but never got it working. I bought a generic USB-RS232 convertor, but was unable to get the combination working (along with unknowns as to the stability of my workstation hardware). so i shelved the project (for the time being - way too much production work to fiddle with this).

seems like compaq and toshiba are some of the few notebook makers that still provide parallel ports in some of their configurations. so, that's what i got... the only problem is lugging an 8 pound anchor around town isn't my idea of fun, but is a good workout.

at least there aren't any new variables to deal with, i just take my setup from the workstation and on the road as needed.