Eric Greenwell wrote:

If a downloading program is available for an older PDA like the Compaq
Aero 1500 series, using one of those might be more convenient than a
laptop, and not much more costly (think eBay) than a potentially
problematic USB to Serial adapter.

Of what problems do you think? I tested some different low cost
USB-to-serial adapters, and all worked fine, with Windows software as well
as with Linux.
Eggert