[ale] OT: GPS/nav units?

[Christopher Fowler]

You have to be careful about the serial adapter you buy.  I have a
handful of adapters and some work better than others.

The problems I see are mostly due to implementation on the serial side.
Some adapters can't do speeds below 9600.  Some can't do parity.  They
say "serial" but do not support the full spec.  If you are doing
9600,N,8,1 stuff then you should be in great shape and any adapter 
will work.  If you are not then buyer beware.