How to choose a Modem

One reason the Psion ranges sell so well is that they are so versatile allowing vast amounts of information to be carried wherever you choose to take it. For the final word in mobility access to the email and the World Wide Web is a necessity. However, there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The following outlines the most common methods for connecting your Psion to a telephone line. Each solution is presented with some of the advantages and disadvantages. The final choice will be dictated by your own circumstances. Hopefully this will help you in your selection.

Null Modem Adaptor
Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost	Not very mobile
Can be used with most existing modems

A Null Modem Adaptor is the cheapest hardware solution for connection to the World Wide Web. A single and simple cable is all that is required to link your Psion to a modem and the world outside. However, you do need to have a suitable modem and this package is not very portable, given the size of most modems. If you know that there will always be a suitable modem wherever you are traveling to then this may be the option for you.

PassThru32
Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost, Free if you are willing to put up with slow transfer rates	Not as mobile as the other options
Can be used with most existing hardware	I have never been able to get it to work!

PassThru is a software solution for those who already have a PC and modem and don't want to invest in any more hardware and mobility is not a top priority. PassThru uses uses the PC as as interface between the Psion and the PC's modem to connect to the outside world. The concept is very similar to PsiWin in that you connect your Psion to your PC in the normal way and then set PassThru running. PassThru becomes the gateway between your Psion and your PC's modem. Well that is the theory - in practice I have never been able to get it to work and so cannot comment on it's suitability.

More information on PassThru can be found on Kevin Millican's web site

Psion Travel Modem
Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost (£99). May be able to find it cheaper now that it has been discontinued	It has, apparently, been discontinued by Psion
Size, it is small	Speed, it is only rated at 14.4k
Runs on only two AA batteries	No mains supply
Fully compatable with Psion, as made by them

The Travel Modem was, until recently, Psion's own hardware solution. This consisted of a very small and neat looking unit taking two AA batteries for power and connecting directly to the phone line and the Psion (either a 3 series or 5). The problem with this unit is that I have heard that it is to be discontinued by Psion. However, it still appears on the Psion website. Also compared to some of the other solutions on offer this could be considered as being slow as it is only rated at 14.4k when most modern modems are at 56K.

You may be able to get hold of the Travel Modem now at a discounted price if it is to be discontinued. It has the advantages of being small, offers good portability and the speed may not worry you if you stick to the text only web sites or are only interested in picking up you emails.

Pegasus II Modem
Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost (£120). Not much more than the Psion Travel Modem	Requires either an external AC power supply, or an optional battery pack
Size, about the size of a pack of cards
Speed, it is rated at 56k
Compatable with other systems and not just the Psion

It is here that I have to own up and say that it is the Pegasus that I use for Internet access on my Psion. That said I will attempt to be objective about this! The unit itself is very small, about the size of a pack of cards, and quick - it is rated at 56.6k. Speed and size are not it's only advantages, it can also be used on other systems, such as a PC with little problems. However, I find having to lug around the AC power supply a pain and there is not always a power socket close to the phone point. Those with £40 can purchase the optional battery pack which is about the size of a box of matches which would overcome this problem.

Overall I have found this to be an excellent and very reliable addition to my Psion 5.

PC Card Adaptor
Advantages	Disadvantages
Can be used with a variety of other non-modem cards	Cost, need to purchase both the adaptor (£100) and the modem card (£100)
Wide selection of suitable modem cards available
Choice of speeds available

The final option is to use a PC Card Adaptor. This would particularly suit those who already have Modem card, maybe currently in use in a laptop PC. Again this is a very mobil option as it is very small. The cost though may deter others as the total cost of the adaptor and a suitable Modem could be as much as £200 (at Psion's prices).