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I sometimes have to console into a variety of devices
So for cables, I use RJ-45 to DB connector adapters for all connector configurations on each end then use either a straight wired LAN cable or a cisco roll over cable to go from DTE/DCE configurations.

As for Laptop
I prefer Linus with a variety of tools available and security, and run windows in a VM for other office related and misc apps.
I also carry USB/CD for other bootable network and recovery tools.