using i/o ports

[amhi]

Hi,
First,sorry for my poor english

I'm doing a project that need a mini-pc to connect with micro-controller.
I search for a suitable solution,when i came across this site.
Is it possible to connect the SheevaPlug or any other plug computer to a micro-controller like the BrainStem GP 2.0 (http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/S25-GP2-BRD.html)?
The BrainStem is connect to the computer using serial port (RS-232).

One more question:
Is it possible to connect a screen and mouse/keyboard to the plug computer so i can work as a normal PC?

Thanks for your time. 

[MarkF]

It is possible to attach a screen to the plug via a USB attached VGA adapter or touch panel. (search for Displaylink on this site)

It is possible to attach one or more USB-to-serial adapters (for RS-232 communications) and/or a USB keyboard/mouse as well to the plug.

You will need a POWERED USB 2.0 hub to attach all of these things at once.

[amhi]

Hi,Thx for ur answer.
I dont want to connect all at once,the serial device should work on its own,without any other devices.
Will the plug computer be able to supply the serial-connnect device without powered hub?

Again,thanks for your time.

[MarkF]

Mine do.

Some people believe that causing the Plug to continuously drive a large USB port current (rotating media, displaylink, etc.) helps to cause premature power supply failures.  All the USB-Serial devices I've used haven't require much current so you should probably be safe.

Does the BrainStem GP 2.0 get power from the serial port (parasitic) or somewhere else?