what about a usb-2-serial converter? we use them at work for programming as the mitsi plc's and network controllers only have serial ports. and of course most laptops from the last couple of years or so onward don't have serial.
so i use this
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=34449
the only downside is that as far as i know it only works upto xp, although not having vista i haven't bothered searching to see it it will work.