Shopbot parallel port based controller

I have a chance to purchase a parallel port based controller that was
used on a shopbot machine. Is it a good idea to use it or would I be
better off using a unit from Xylotex or Gecko? I am really wondering
if anyone knows if the Shopbot supports microstepping - if it
doesn't, or isn't reliable, I won't be interested.
Thanks for any help I can get on this.
Oakley