anyone know about port replicators?

[zowie]

COMPUTER MAVENS HI:

The ole 233mhz PII cost a fortune a few years back, but it's just not cutting it anymore.

The new laptop I'm about to pull the trigger on doesn't have a parallel port (nor an optional custom docking station) that I need for my fax/printer.

I see there are these popular Targus port replicators that plug into a USB and give you a serial, parallel, ethernet, PS/2, additional USBs, and that cost about $120 retail/$35ebay that are supposed to work pretty well.

I've also found some off brand port replicators that seem to do about the same thing, but plug into the PCMCIA card slot and cost under $10.

Is there any reason the cheaper one is not just as good? Or am I off the mark completely here.

[edited for more clarity]

Thanks for any help.

 

[CaptBubba]

You may be able to get a full port replicator from the laptop company, which will include a parallel port, serial ports, etc. plus you don't have to worry about plugging anything in every time you move your lappy.