Home :: Computers :: Components :: I\O Cards :: USB Ports  

Additional Controllers
FireWire
Parallel & Serial Ports
SCSI
USB Ports

Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter

Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter

List Price: $79.99
Your Price: $52.24
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 >>

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Don't waste your money.
Review: I bought the -MAC version of this adapter one day at CompUSA because I needed to connect my Newton to my iMac. The first thing that I found out about it is the drivers are *very* buggy. The adapter also had to be plugged in when I booted up the iMac or the drivers wouldn't see the adapter. Same if I unplugged and replugged the adapter while the machine was running. So much for USB hot-pluggability!

Also, Belkin couldn't even be bothered to release Mac OS X drivers for this adapter. Though, considering the state of the OS 9 drivers, I don't exactly know if I'd want them.

All in all, you'd be better off with one of the USB-Serial adapters from Keyspan. (USB-PDA or High Speed) I'm going to pick one up as soon as my budget allows.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Extension Conflicts Abound
Review: I bought the Belkin Express hub because it looked neat & the lights indicating functional USB devices were important. However, over a year after buying it Belkin still has not made available software that will work with OS 9. Belkin's extensions for the Mac conflict with most other USB device extensions, including Apple's. In order to get this thing to work, I have to unplug it, start the computer, then plug it in after start up, use the device I want, then unplug it after I'm finished with the device. Otherwise, all my settings get mysteriously changed (Remote Access, printer selection, modem selection). If you want to use it for a Palm device or an older printer, use Keyspan's adapters instead. I have one & have had much fewer problems with it than this thing, The installer also installs a mysterious "printer patch" file on your hard disk, but gives you no indication where this file should be or what it does. The lights were helpful to a certain extent in that they blink to let you know that a signal has been sent to the device, however there are 4 green lights & 1 red light on each unit, regardless of how many items you can plug into it & there is no documentation that explains what different light combinations or blinking means, so you have to guess. This item is also more expensive than most of the other hubs/adapters out there & in this case you don't get what you pay for.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Do NOT Buy
Review: I bought this to use with my GPS receiver. I never got that far. After following the (poor) directions and running software, it promptly shut my machine OFF. Not just an error message or locking Windows up, it shut the whole dang thing off. After rebooting, Windows indicated it had encountered a SERIOUS error and directed to a supposed fix from the manufacturer. I tried that and got the same result. Kachunk...off. To make matters worse, it had fried my sound card and I had to buy a new one. Boy, was I steamed.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Pain to Install, but Good Overall
Review: I don't know about the other OP systems, but if you are running Windows XP it is a pain to install!!! It took me 2 days before I got it running properly, and don't even think about calling tech support unless you enjoy being on hold for a half hour. When I finally got the software installed it worked out beautifully, I have not had any problems whatsoever with the adapter itself. So a few minor headached in the beginning with software installation but the over all performance of the adapter itself is excellent.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Works great in Linux!
Review: I love this unit and now have 2. It is the only USB-serial adapter I've found that works with no fuss under Linux. The only complaint I have is the bulkiness and the short cable supplied with it.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Unacceptable product for price range
Review: I purchased the F5U103-MAC (same product but with multi-colored sleeves) several months ago to connect my digital camera and Palm V to my laptop. As soon as I started to install the product, the problems began.

- Firstly, the instructions are sparse at best. Belkin's online site had no support (until recently).

- Second, this product defies the logic of home computers and electronics: Rather than create a product that simplifies daily tasks, this adapter has multiplied the hassle. I cannot have the adapter plugged into a hub; I cannot have the adapter plugged into my computer at startup; and I cannot have my device plugged into my adapter when my adapter is plugged into my computer. These are not major features to implement.

- Finally, the device is large and bulky with a long cable that adds to desktop clutter. My Keyspan USB PDA adapter does in just five inches what Belkin has managed to attempt in three feet.

On the positive side, the product does work when you're willing to deal with the $80 hassle. However, I honestly can't encourage readers to buy Keyspan's much cheaper (and efficient) adapter instead of this one. It's been both a disappointment and hassle.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Unacceptable product for price range
Review: I purchased the F5U103-MAC (same product but with multi-colored sleeves) several months ago to connect my digital camera and Palm V to my laptop. As soon as I started to install the product, the problems began.

- Firstly, the instructions are sparse at best. Belkin's online site had no support (until recently).

- Second, this product defies the logic of home computers and electronics: Rather than create a product that simplifies daily tasks, this adapter has multiplied the hassle. I cannot have the adapter plugged into a hub; I cannot have the adapter plugged into my computer at startup; and I cannot have my device plugged into my adapter when my adapter is plugged into my computer. These are not major features to implement.

- Finally, the device is large and bulky with a long cable that adds to desktop clutter. My Keyspan USB PDA adapter does in just five inches what Belkin has managed to attempt in three feet.

On the positive side, the product does work when you're willing to deal with the $80 hassle. However, I honestly can't encourage readers to buy Keyspan's much cheaper (and efficient) adapter instead of this one. It's been both a disappointment and hassle.


<< 1 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates