Redpark preps dial-up, serial adapters for iPhone, iPad
updated 04:55 pm EST, Fri February 12, 2010
Redpark DB9 and RJ11 adapters have Apple OK
Peripheral firm Redpark at Macworld has promised the unique option of serial port (DB9) and dial-up (RJ11) adapters for Apple handhelds. The company's designs would give at least iPhone and iPod touch units support for legacy data through a Dock Connector adapter and is notably approved by Apple as a "reference design" that can be used by other companies. The iPad hasn't been tested for self-evident reasons but should also support the add-ons.
Which companies might use the adapters isn't stated and will determine the release date, but Redpark envisions the adapters being used with apps for hospitals, industrial monitoring, networking and science.
Apple doesn't include support for these devices itself but, from iPhone 3.0 onwards, allows these adapters for third-party titles using their own standards. Serial ports and dial-up have often been used both for work purposes such as server monitoring but have often been the specialty of Windows Mobile PDAs and smartphones.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999
Hmm
Alright, these iPad/iPhone/iTouch peripherals are starting to get interesting. if someone comes out with a DVD burner with a dock port, then I might just be sold on this whole iPad as a computer replacement thing...