Just another reason why when you actually by new laptops (or desktops) to spend a little extra and buy a business class machine with on board serial port(s) and a parallel port. While this is less and less important as more and more timing devices will switch to USB and IP connectivity, these machines come with other advantages.
Both HP and Dell offer business class machines with serial and parallel ports. While they generally come with less bells and whistles than a notebook you can buy at Best Buy, Staples, etc, but are also built better, come with better warranties (usually 3 years) and will have less issues.
Just a few thoughts.
Jenna