Mtech, Sorry to say I do not recamend the USB com port.
I have found there is about a 50% chance this will work right with the laptop and the machine.
I have found this by that I have been asked to go to sevral shops and help were they are tring to do this.
My latop does not have a com port either ,but I am alswas able to hook up and DNC to the machine.
this is what I did I bought a Com Prot card for the laptop it works great.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
Cadcam
Software and hardware sales, contract Programming and Consultant , Cad-Cam Instructor .