Computer Geek Needed

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Gary Wyngarden

I hook up my GPS to my laptop (Toshiba 2595 CDT) with First Mate chart reading software by the Cap'n when I really want to know where I'm going. The serial port on the back of my laptop for the GPS connection is the same port used for the mouse. This relegates me to using that "fuzzy green button" (that's a technical term) in the middle of the keyboard to control the cursor. When the boat is bouncing through the waves, this can get a bit challenging. Does somebody make a "Y" connector to connect both devices to the serial port at the same time? Is there an alternative way to hook up the mouse at the same time the GPS is in use? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
USB?

Gary: Does your computer have a USB port? If it does, you can use a USB mouse.
 
M

Miles

Depends...

If you have a newer laptop you might have a USB (universal serial bus) port. It's a rectangular slot about .5 inches long usually vertically oriented. You could get a USB mouse and use it at the same time you're using the serial port for the GPS. They're around 20 bucks at Compusa or wherever you get computer stuff. Look at the pacakges closely or ask someone, they are a little rarer than serial mice. Those little builtin button thingys drive me crazy too!
 
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Pete Vente

A few options

You cannot use a Y-adapter for this purpose, but there are a few options available to you. As the previous post said, you can use a USB mouse if you have USB ports. If I remember correctly, Toshiba Satellites have PS/2 style mouse ports as well (they are round with 6 holes around it). Either of these are valid solutions.
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
I think Pete is correct.

Gary: If you go to the Toshiba site and look up your computer (probably in the manual). It shows that you have USB, IR, USB and PS/2 ports. No reason to go with a USB mouse unless there is a buring desire. You may also want to look at a wireless mouse. You just plug the device into the mouse port and that sends/receives the mouse signal. Logitech has the best ones. They have them with a track ball, which may work better on board the boat too.
 
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Gary Wyngarden

Thank You All!

Thanks Guys. Pete was right. There is a PS/2 mouse port on the side. When I removed the adaptor for the serial port, the mouse plugs in and operates fine. NOW what excuse am I going to use with my wife when I get lost? (Just kidding.) Thanks again. Gary
 
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