Connecting a Yamaha PSR-270 to a Dell laptop

[Jabba]

I have just started researching this and thought someone here my be
able to guide me in the right direction. There is no sound card on
the laptop. How do I go about connecting the YamaHa (or any midi-type device) to the laptop? I saw a MIDI to USB cable... Is that what I would use? Do I need any special software? I found some pretty cool software called Anvil and would like to start using my piano hooked up to the laptop.

Any help would definately be appreciated for this MIDI Noob    Thanks

[Dexter]

http://www.turnkey.co.uk/tkweb/stockdetail.jsp?sku=ATRA-XPMIDIMA&context=WEB

Something like that would do the job. You may need a driver (should be included) depending on what version of windows you are running.

Once installed the device should appear for selection in "midi in" and "midi out" drop down menus/windows in pretty much all of the main music software.

Midi can also be connected through the old game port connectors but your laptop probably won't have one of those.

[Sephroth57]

hey jabba do you play keyboard/piano?

im looking to start playing and i want to start with an inexpensive keyboard, something that shipped will cost like 80$ or less. is it possible to do this without getting total junk? im not sure how dedicated i will be to this until i try so i dont want to buy something really nice and not be into it in a couple weeks

[skim36]

I'll sell you my Yamaha PSR 180 for around 50.  + shipping

[Sephroth57]

hmm, i think i might take you up on that offer. will you be able to hold it until next week?  does that come with a power adapter? and it has built in speakers?

[skim36]

It's just been sitting around.....no power adapter...but I used a universal adapter that worked fine...built-in stereo speakers...you should see my closet....heh heh

[Jabba]

Hi guys, thanks for the feedback.
Dexter, that cable device looks like exactly what I am looking for. Cool!
Think I'll see if one of the music shops in town stocks/can order one of these for me.

Thanks again!