wolfgang+gnus20030627T101023@wsrcc.com said:
> I have a Dlink DSB-S25 USB/Serial adaptor that is useless in the same
> way.

Fwiw, I was able to impress my colleagues when I plugged a random
USB/serial adapter into my notebook and it worked immediately
(as serial console with 9.6k and 115k).
It identifies with "GMUS-03" on the serial plug and with
Prolific Technology PL2303 Serial adapter (ATEN/IOGEAR UC232A), rev 1.10/2.02
in the kernel log.
Haven't tried anything else than kermit, admittedly.

best regards
Matthias