Worldport 2400 Modem. (includes related article on modem testing) (evaluation)
by Bruce M. Bowden, Tom Benford

The Touchbase Systems WorldPort Hayes-compatible modem is small--about the size of a pack of cigarettes--but topnotch. It attaches externally to the computer through the serial port and can be powered by a standard nine-volt battery, an AC adapter, or the computer itself. It connects to the phone line either through its modular phone jack or by means of an acoustic coupler.

The WorldPort cannot connect directly with some computers because it requires a 25-pin serial port. But an appropriate adapter cable, such as the DB9-DB25, will take care of that.

The modem gets its power directly from some computers, but not all. Using an alkaline battery as an alternative will maintain power for about six hours of continuous use. The unit also comes with an AC adapter. You switch the modem on and off using your communications software.

A phone jack on the modem's side connects directly to the telephone line running from your wall. There's only one jack on the modem, so to use your phone along with the modem, make sure the modem is either at the end of a daisychain or plugged into a Y-connector at the wall jack. An alternative to directly connecting the modem to the phone line is plugging it into an acoustic coupler using an adapter cable provided in the package.

The WorldPort worked well with each commercial or public-domain telecommunications program I tried at the modem's three speeds of 300, 1200, and 2400 bits per second. And, in case you lack such software, the unit comes with a powerful communications package--Carbon Copy.

The WorldPort is a very nice piece of equipment--easy to use, reliable and well documented. The only thing preventing me from rushing out to buy one for myself is the whopping $359 price tag. Of course, you can expect the street price to be lower.