in reply to Win32::SerialPort v. New computers
The potential problems are legion. One issue that you may not be aware of is that standard USB provides 5 V, whereas RS-232 is spec'd for a 12V swing. If what you are talking to is finicky, then the 5V pseudo RS-232 port may not be good enough. I've had that problem before. I googled around and looks like an add-on RS-232 board can be had for about $30.
In Section
Seekers of Perl Wisdom