I use a Aten USB to serial adapter UC-232A, it seems to work with about everything. Lutron Homeworks, Crestron, AMX, Touch Screen Setup, MX editor, Sonance, Elan, Ademco, Lexicon, etc. I have used others that have not been as forgiving. What I run accross the most, is tech support blaming a problem on your adapter because it is "not the one we recommend". We can not carry 10 differnt adapters around, i'm lucky to keep track of the one I have. As far as notebooks, about a year ago I sceptically decided to go with an ultra light (Sony Vaio R505), I absolutly love this machine, but mostly the ultra light aspect of it. Most of my work is in the field & we do a lot of Elan, so not carrying around a boat anchor has been a dream. It came with a docking station (has serial port) that even makes it better. Just my $.02. Good luck.