Is a Laptop Infrared Port the same?

[Steve]

If I already have a laptop with an Infrared port, do I still need the USB-UIRT device? Isn't it the same as what's built into my laptop?

[jrhees]

The laptop IR port is an 'IRDA' port. In general, it is not suited to control consumer electronics:

- it is for high data rates
- it is for short-distance links (around 1 foot).

-Jon