Diagnostic laptop

cheap solution, not really good

 

You can just buy a USB to Serial adapter for $25. They are very common. I use them everyday

 

for exampler.... USB adapter wont working with pre Version-2 Volvo (D12A, B, C engines), with Star Diagnose C3 (Mercedes trucks, MBE engines).

And I can see how many old trucks are on road, so I'd choose Panasonic Tought Book with all ports I need and big battery.

 

I don't think it's a serial connection in the first place. It's usually the CAN bus

 

There are many old trucks on road and delers cant work on old engines becouse they have new CAN adapters that wont supporting old vehicles

 

Panasonic Toughbook

Rugged and waterproof

 

Expensive!

 

There's lots of deals to be had you just need to know where to look. I traded a chainsaw for mine