The higher-end PPCs usually have built-in serial ports (I'd suspect 25% of
the more expensive versions), while the lower cost ones do not.  However,
most PPCs have built-in Bluetooth, which can be uses (SSP) with an external
serial to Bluetooth adapter.  This would give you a wireless connection to
your robot, and might well save you money in the long run.  Certainly you
can use VC, though I've only used C# and VB (.NET) for these sorts of
things.

Dick

Hi, I didn't reply immediately because you put in the word "new" -
presumably deliberately! I have a Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket Loox (originally on
an employee deal) which has serial and USB-host connectivity. But they are
no longer made so would have to be found on eBay or somewhere. It may also
be tricky to get a serial cable to plug into the proprietary cradle socket,
but I managed that too.

For programming I use the product "Basic4PPC" which even allows development
on the PPC itself, as well as test/debug on a PC. There are already people
on their Forum who are doing device control.

Mike.

Socket makes CF Readers, which will work with devices that have CF
Slots. http://www.socketmobile.com/products/plug-in-data-capture/

At least some of the industrial-strength devices have serial, but they
are usually quite a bit more expensive. Here are some possibilities:
http://www.daptech.com/
http://www.handheldgroup.com/regions/us/
http://www.intermec.com./products/computers/handheld_computers/index.aspx
http://www.junipersys.com/main.php
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O
&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=68951&catGroupId=12871&modelNo=Toughbook-P
1&surfModel=Toughbook-P1
http://www.psionteklogix.com/us
http://www.radix-intl.com/home/home.asp
http://www.timbatec.com/
http://www.tdsway.com/?Sec1=default
http://www.2t.com/

NOTE: I checked to make sure this links are all current and mention
handheld devices, but no more (in particular, I didn't check for
serial interfaces).

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Robert E. Zaret, eMVP
PenFact, Inc.
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