Adding components to Compact SR5601P

Hi all,
My old CPU is dying; I am considering purchasing a Compact SR5601P. I'm not a gamer, so I don't need more than that. I have two questions:
Can I add my IDE hard disk to this system as a slave? It's almost new and contains all of my documents and video for work -- it's a must have.
Can I add a PCI serial port controller card? I need a serial port for my pedal (I transcribe from video and my pedal connects to a serial port.) That is also a must have.
I need to order this machine asap -- it's on sale and the sale ends tonight!

Thanks for the help!

 

I just looked at the spec and I see no mention of ide on this machine but as far as the hardware go you should have no problems as you have 2 pci ports so you could drop a pci to ide controller card in or if you don't want to open the box use a usb to ide, same with your serial port pci or usb to serial, just make sure your operating system can support them before purchasing. I always prefer serial on the pci port as I've had issues with usb to serial and programs refusing to talk to a serial port via usb.
all the best

 

The OS installed on the machine is Vista Home Basic; will that do? Also, are these controller cards expensive?
Thanks!

 

Apparently the Promise Ultra ATA 133 TX IDE controller will work with vista or so I'm told.

No there not expensive here in the UK there around five to ten pounds

 

Hi Fantus,

I don't know what country you're in but here's a PCI bus Serial Port card that's supposed to work with Vista.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=MP5232CR2&cat=CCD

Or, just search for controller cards wherever you want.