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  MODEMS

Sierra Wireless AirCard 775

EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Provides nationwide mobile Internet access; compatible with networks around the world; easy installation.

THE BAD

Although this card works on a number of widely available networks, the fastest among them are still available only in limited areas.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you often work in areas with high-speed EDGE service availability, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 is your best bet for mobile Internet access.

REVIEWED: 17-Dec-2004 09:29 AM PST
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Zoom 56K-Dual 2919 Plug-in card Fax / modem

EDITORS CHOICE
1
EDITORS RATING
8.0
SPECS

Retail

THE GOOD

Dazzling price and performance, excellent documentation.

THE BAD

Bare-bones software bundle, few telephony features.

THE BOTTOM LINE

A no-frills, high-speed bargain; our top internal 56K pick.

REVIEWED: 28-Sep-1998 05:00 PM PDT
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Actiontec Phone Wizard

EDITORS RATING
7.9
SPECS
THE GOOD

Compact design; very clear documentation and setup; allows Skype users to replace their headsets with regular analog phones; supports landline calls; works with any OS; uninhibited by firewalls.

THE BAD

Moderately expensive.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you're already sold on the concept of VoIP in general and Skype in particular, the Actiontec Phone Wizard is a must-have device.

REVIEWED: 21-Apr-2005 04:40 PM PDT
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Sony PlayStation 2 Online Adaptor

EDITORS RATING
7.3
SPECS
THE GOOD

Fairly simple installation and setup; supports dial-up and broadband access; several compatible titles already available.

THE BAD

Separate online account setup for each game; no integrated Xbox-like universal voice support.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Sony's network adaptor opens the PS2 to online competition, but it's a bit less polished than the Xbox's online solution.

EDITORS RECOMMENDATION

Recommended

REVIEWED: 10-Nov-2002 06:55 PM PST
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Sierra Wireless AirCard 860

EDITORS RATING
7.2
SPECS
THE GOOD

With the AirCard 860, you get a great design, an extremely easy setup process, access to Cingular's superspeedy HSDPA network, backward compatibility with several other networks, VPN access, and lifetime tech support.

THE BAD

The AirCard 860 and its corresponding service are expensive, and the HSDPA network is currently available in only 16 metropolitan areas across the United States.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If your travels often take you to several U.S. destinations (and even some international ones), the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 will provide generally good connectivity almost anywhere you go.

REVIEWED: 12-Apr-2006 10:24 AM PDT
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Novatel Wireless V620 Wireless WAN Card (Verizon Wireless)

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Easy installation; fast speeds; secondary dial-up access.

THE BAD

Expensive service; limited availability.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Novatel Wireless V620 PC Card is the fastest cellular modem we've seen so far.

REVIEWED: 06-Jun-2005 10:50 AM PDT
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Sierra Wireless AirCard 580

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Fast 3G speeds; long warranty; easy to use; backward compatible with CDMA 1x networks.

THE BAD

Although this card works on a number of widely available networks, the fastest among them are still available only in limited areas.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Fast speeds and easy setup make the AirCard 580 the mobile PC Card of choice.

REVIEWED: 26-Jan-2005 10:59 AM PST
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Novatel Wireless Merlin U520 - wireless cellular modem

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Fast; easy to install and use.

THE BAD

Pricey; limited service areas; lacks backward compatibility.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Merlin U520 lets you take your broadband with you. Unfortunately, it's expensive and is available in only select cities.

REVIEWED: 19-Oct-2004 11:55 AM PDT
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Zoom 56Kx 2949 Proprietary Fax / modem

EDITORS RATING
7.0
SPECS

Retail

THE GOOD

Fast, plenty of status LEDs, and very affordable.

THE BAD

Barren software bundle, light telephony features.

THE BOTTOM LINE

An affordable and fast external, if you don't mind going without the extras.

REVIEWED: 28-Sep-1998 05:00 PM PDT
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Kyocera KPC650

EDITORS RATING
6.4
SPECS
THE GOOD

Easy installation; nice design.

THE BAD

Expensive service; inconsistent performance.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Although the performance wasn't as fast or consistent as we'd like, you can't deny the attractiveness of access to the Internet from almost anywhere, and that?s what this card gives you.

REVIEWED: 27-Jul-2005 03:00 PM PDT
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InnoMedia InfoAccel

EDITORS RATING
6.0
SPECS
THE GOOD

Extra features when calling other InfoAccel users.

THE BAD

Still lacks telephone-quality audio; locked into one service provider; national long distance is not always free.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Only businesses and families willing to adhere to InnoMedia's members-only restrictions on long distance calls will reap the benefits of this product.

REVIEWED: 29-Oct-2000 04:00 PM PST
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Multi-Multi-Tech MultiModem ZDX Proprietary Fax / modem

EDITORS RATING
6.0
SPECS

Retail

THE GOOD

Takes up little desk space, ample software, comprehensive manual.

THE BAD

Fat price tag, lackluster performance.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The ZDX offers nothing special for the price. There are plenty of better values elsewhere.

REVIEWED: 28-Sep-1998 05:00 PM PDT
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Multi-Multi-Tech MultiModem ZPX Plug-in card Fax / modem

EDITORS RATING
5.0
SPECS

Retail

THE GOOD

Nice collection of software, ample telephony features.

THE BAD

Big price, bad performance.

THE BOTTOM LINE

With a needlessly high price, skip the ZPX unless future V.90 enhancements bring up its performance.

REVIEWED: 28-Sep-1998 05:00 PM PDT
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Multi-Multi-Tech MultiModem ISDN External ISDN NT1

SPECS

Retail

REVIEWED: 10-Apr-1998 09:00 AM PDT
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