An Answer To Global Static
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday February 23, 1999
Xircom RealPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS
ONE of the problems mobile computing users run up against is trying to use PC card modems internationally, particularly some of the lower quality models.
There are several different telecommunications standards around the world and there is no guarantee a modem bought here will work in any other country.
That's unless it is one of a growing number of global-class modems. Xircom has released its new 16-bit RealPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS modem which includes all the necessary electronics to handle the many standards around the world.
The Xircom RealPort combines line and pass-through RJ11 phone sockets plus a mobile phone socket. However, you need to buy the optional GSM connection kit in order to take advantage of it.
With the kit, it supports GSM 900, 1800, 1900, DCS 1800 and PCS1900 mobile phone standards. The mobile phone socket also doubles as an ISDN connector, although it needs another optional ISDN connection kit to operate.
The downside is that while not offering Ethernet networking support, the card also occupies both type-II PC card slots. It also means you can't use it on notebooks with only one type-II slot.
The upside is that by using full-size RJ11 connectors, you do not have to worry about those tiny, flimsy phone-to-card connection cables that break as soon as you look at them.
On top, the modem includes two mini LEDs (light-emitting diodes), a green carrier-detect and yellow transmit/ receive LED. It supports both K56flex and V.90 protocols for full 56Kbps data transfer, but getting that speed will depend greatly on the quality of phone connection.
The unit is designed to run with Windows 3.1, 95, 98 and NT 4.0 although the documentation manual does not include much help for Windows 3.1 users.
Driver software comes on a single 3.5-inch floppy disk and includes Xircom's CountrySelect applet that automatically configures the modem to match the telephony specifications of the country you are in. You simply select the country and the software does the rest. As usual, the US is set as the default country.
The modem also includes advanced power management features that allow it to power down when not in use, conserving your notebook's battery life. Installation is fairly straightforward.
Even on a plain Pentium-powered notebook running Windows 98, the card was detected automatically and launched the prompt to load in the driver software.
As with any modem purchase, check the vendor's Web site for updated driver software. In this case, head to www. xircom.com The driver in our review unit was dated July 22, 1998, but the latest driver can be downloaded from http:// www.xircom.com/pub/drivers/rm56g/ xm56g_1.exe Overall, the RealPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS modem is a feature- packed unit, although the number of optional extras will push up the price. Including GSM, ISDN and RJ11 functionality into the one card is a neat trick, though. Add to that global usability and it is one to put on the must-see list.
With a street price of about $350 for the base model without options, it is comparable with other high-end units.
If you're thinking of the GSM phone kit, you need to check the brand and type of your GSM mobile phone and buy the correct kit in order for it to work. The GSM connection kit has a street price of about $250.
For peace of mind, the unit comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If your notebook did not come with an integrated modem, you will do a lot worse than this unit from Xircom.
If you don't need global access, Xircom's new RealPort Modem 56 has basically the same specifications without ISDN or GSM functionality. It should retail for about $250. THE BOTTOM LINE: The PC card modem from Xircom includes GSM, ISDN capabilities plus built-in RJ11 sockets - no more flimsy connectors. Does require both type II slots and does not include Ethernet-networking support. A good solution though for the international corporate traveller. PRICE: about $350. APPLE-COMPATIBLE: No. WEB: www.xircom.com
© 1999 Sydney Morning Herald