Modems for Your Pocket PC

When is an Internet-ready device not an Internet-ready device? When it doesn't have a modem! Microsoft and the Pocket PC manufacturers promoted the various Pocket PCs as being "Internet ready." True, they have Pocket Internet Explorer and Inbox built in, along with set-up utilities to make connecting to the Internet easy. But what all of the currently available Pocket PC devices lack is a built-in modem, and you need one to connect it to the Internet.

Fortunately, inexpensive external and CompactFlash modems are available to Pocket PC users. This article looks at three of these.

Kingston and Pretec compact modem cards

The Kingston Compact Modem and Pretec Compact I/O 56K PC Card are similar 56k plug-and-play modems. Slip either into any Pocket PC Type I or II CompactFlash slot, configure your device and you are all set to download your email or surf the Internet. These units support hot swapping, which means you can put it in and take it out while the unit is switched on. The Kingston modem comes with a CF-to-PC Card adapter, which means that you can use it in the larger PC Card slot found on Handheld PCs and many notebook PCs. The adapter is not included with the Pretec, but can be purchased from a number of manufacturers online for $10-$15.

The Kingston Compact I/0 56K PC Card Modem

These modems have a small bulge attached to a CompactFlash card (see product image). The CompactFlash interface inserts into the Pocket PC's Compact slot. The modem, with an RJ-11 interface, sticks out the top. Both modems are quite small, measuring 0.63" x 1.68" x 3.38" in size and weighing 0.6 oz. (Keep in mind that the 0.63" refers to the thickest part of the modem.)

The Pretec CompactModem

Both compact I/O 56K modems have auto sleep and wake-up mode to conserve power. The modems operate at a voltage of 3.3 VDC with a deviation of ± 5% and consume between 0.20 to 0.55 watts of power. They also have ADPCM voice processing which allows efficient digital storage of voice/audio, but this feature is more for notebook PC users than Pocket PC users. These modems support ITU-T V.90 & K56flexTM with up to 56Kbps download data transmission. You can send and receive faxes at 14,400bps.

I tested both modems to connect to the Internet and they worked flawlessly. The Kingston modem comes with a 5-year warranty and its suggested retail price is $199 (street price is closer to $150) and includes the PC card adapter. The Pretec modem has a 1-year warranty and does not include the adapter and retails for $149. However, in conjunction with Microsoft, the Pretec modem is sold as the "E-mail Pocket PC Expansion Pack" for $110. Pretec's CompactFlash modem--the "E-mail Pocket PC Expansion Pack"--can be purchased at MobilePlanet.com's Pocket PC Store.)

For more information on the Kingston, including a "Where to Buy" link, visit Kingston Technology's Web site www.kingston.com. For Pretec, check www.pretec.com.

Pegasus III - 56K external travel modem

A3J Engineering's Pegasus III is a sleek 56K external modem. You can use it with any Windows CE device (or desktop/notebook PC). Pegasus III is a little larger than a deck of playing cards (2.5" x 3.75" x 0.75") and weighs 7.3 oz (with battery). It comes with a built-in NiMH rechargeable battery and adapter for charging it. The modem works for 5 hours full charged and won't drain your Pocket PC's batteries.

The Pegasus III portable external modem