USB to Serial dongle - configure network hardware

[anon(51467)]

As the subject sates, I am curious as to using a Chromebook to configure network hardware. In particular Cisco switches use a serial port cable to connect to a laptop in order to use SSH for terminal access. To that end, has anyone used a USB to Serial adapter to connect to the classic Cisco blue cable?

I would like to lighten my load (Dell Latitude E6430) when possible and use a Chromebook for such purposes. Wondering what experiences anyone has had for such things. BTW, Windows 8.1 and 7 are flaky with the USB to Serial dongle I am provided by work.

Thanks