USB Pocket Modem by Dax

This is one of the smallest modems to be reviewed in PCQ Labs. The whole

modem can easily fit into the palm of your hand. Mobile professionals can use

this modem to access the Net when on the move.

Installing the modem is as simple as plugging in the USB cable. Windows

automatically detects it, and drivers are available on the accompanying CD.

There’s no power cable, since the modem can take power from the USB port

itself, thus reducing the number of cables that have to snake around your

computer.

Most people will notice the absence of several LEDs that one gets used to on

a bigger external modem. The Dax pocket modem has only three of these: MR for

modem ready, OH for on hook and DATA for data transfer. The volume of the modem

is also very low–so low, in fact, that you’ll have to hold it up against

your ear to hear the dial tone. The modem also lacks speaker and microphone

jacks, so you can’t add these even if you want to.

The modem gave us stable connects when we connected it to VSNL, and we didn’t

face any major problems while downloading files, other than the low speaker

volume. Overall, it’s slightly expensive compared to regular serial port

modems, but gains points for its small size and low weight.

Anuj Jain at PCQ Labs