I have a laptop that supports both USB and serial port.
Is one cable better or more reliable than the other.

Granted a USB will likely be more flexible in the future as fewer and fewer laptops are manufactured with serial ports.

Are there any other issues or advantages?

Thanks.

 

There are two differences that I'm aware of. One is that as you said newer computers often don't have serial ports. The other is that if you are using a PC and need a long cable to run outside, it is easier (and cheaper) to use serial extention cables, as USB cables have signal problems with length. I am sure there are a few other differences, but thats all I know.

 

The only other difference is that the serial cable requires no configuration on the part of the user - it just works.

Software does all the setup on a serial port without any user intervention, once you choose the physical port you are plugged into. USB requires that you choose a "virtual" serial port, and this has traditionally been a bit flaky on some brands of PCs.

 

Sounds good to me. I'll probably go with the serial then unless someone gives me a good reason to go with USB.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

Hello GyroJunkie, I have the same dilemma as you. Did you ended up with the serial? Any problem?

Thanks for guidance.