> On May 9, 6:48 am, Michael frontiernet.net> wrote:

>> Garlicdude wrote:

>>> JBower wrote:

>>>> So, my SurfCam uses a paralle dongle, I've had it that long...
>>>> My latest set of computers ( I am using notebooks for a lot of my
>>>> stuff) no longer have parallel ports.
>>>> SurfCam wants $$ to replace my Parallel dongle to a USB version). I
>>>> just can't stomach that. Besides, I KNOW that my parallel dongle has
>>>> minimal encryption in it as the mathematics of encryption, let alone
>>>> the technology did not even exist when I was issued a dongle.
>>>> Anyway, I digress, my question is, has anyone found a suitable
>>>> parallel port solution for non-parallel port equipped notebooks?
>>>> Options that I believe are available:
>>>> Expresscard to parallel (or PCMCIA to parallel cares) (many makes
>>>> available ranging in price from ~$30 to $130)
>>>> Docking station (probably an actuall mfgs, version not a aftermarket
>>>> one) over $150, not very protable
>>>> USB to dongle (this is quite doubtful, found no hardware yet).
>>>> Anyone have something they've used successfully? (doesn't necessarily
>>>> need to be for SurfCAM))
>>>> John

>>> John, I went through this with Smurfcam recently. My new computer came
>>> without a parallel port. No problem, I bought a parallel card. Smurf
>>> doesn't like add on cards for some strange reason, so I had to bit the
>>> bullet and bought the USB dongle. Cost me $175 which was a total
>>> ripoff, just another way to get some $$ out a poor machine shop.
>>> Another reason in a long list to not like Smurfcam!
>>> Best,
>>> Steve

>> we need to be in the parallel usb device biz, cost $9.95 each, maybe
>> better in a quantity, sell for $175.00, did they get an install too?
>>
>> Now you see what they meant when they said they "serviced" you.
>>
>> hang in there Steve!
>>
>> --
>>
>> Michael Gailey
>> Artistic CNC Mill, Router and Engraver Programming
>> 3D modeling for Product Design and Developmenthttp://www.microsystemsgeorgia.com/toc.htm

>
> My Mastercam dongle is still parallel, and I've been going through the
> process of upgrading the shop computers. I've got a few new Dell's and
> an Alienware laptop, and none of them have a serial port.
>
> I bought a USB-parallel port adapter at Fry's electronics for $30-40
> bucks, and it doesn't work. I was planning on buying some serial cards
> for the new desktops, but it doesn't sound like that will work
> either.
>
> I'd prefer to keep the serial dongle, because it's very discreet.
> There's no chance of somebody mistaking it for a USB memory stick and
> walking off with $15,000.
>
> I really like the new Solidworks security method. When you're going to
> use your seat on a different computer, you just de-activate the
> license, then re-activate it on the other computer. No worries about
> losing the dongle.
>