The Practical Pocket Modem - Tiny but Powerful
                         Copyright 1990 David Batterson

     Some time ago I reviewed the Migent Pocket Modem, which at the time seemed
quite innovative.  It was a 1200bps modem, powered by a 9v battery, and would
fit in a large pocket.  Migent later went bankrupt.
     Jump to the present, where Practical Peripherals (now a Hayes company) has
introduced its Practical Pocket Modem.  This modem is REALLY pocket-size:  a
mere 2 1/4" x 3" x 3/4", and weighing in at only four ounces.
     There is NO battery, because none is needed.  Instead, the PPM uses power
from the RS232 port and phone line.  Its features include 300/1200/2400bps,
compatibility with all popular communications programs, auto answer mode,
automatic adaptive equalization, full or half duplex operation, non-volatile
RAM for storage of modem configuration, and the Software Speaker program.
     This modem is obviously fully Hayes-compatible, since Hayes bought the
company this year.  It also includes a DB25-to-DB9 converter.
     I evaluated the PPM, using MIRROR III software.  The one main difference
between this and most other modems is that there's no extra RJ11 jack to plug
in your telephone too.  But that's no biggie.
     Installation is simple enough.  Plug the PPM into your serial port and pop
in the phone cord.  If your serial port has a 9-pin connector as mine does, you
simply attach the adapter first.
     Rather than simply firing up Procomm (or whatever) and making a call, the
manual suggests a test in the terminal mode first.  You do this through some
easy AT commands: AT&F (reset to factory default) and AT&C1&D2&W.  If you want
to use the "visual speaker" mode, you must also use the ATX5 command.
     Since the PPM is too small to have a speaker, the "visual" speaker
displays results onscreen, i.e., dialtone and the dialed number, followed by
call progress activity.  This is handy for those who are used to a speaker.
     The PPM worked fine the first time, with no problems at all (not that I
really expected any trouble).  It continued with flawless performance during my
evaluation period.
     If you do want to use the PPM with a cable for some reason, make sure it
is a shielded cable, with pins 2 through 8 and 20.  Using a cable wouldn't make
much sense to me, though.
     The only slight possibility of a problem using this modem would be if your
serial port does NOT meet the requirements of the EIA RS232C standard.  This
isn't likely, unless you are using a rather strange breed of PC.
     The Practical Pocket Modem has a suggested list price of $159, but is
being discounted for under $100.  It comes with the standard Practical
Peripherals five-year warranty.
     This is a fine little modem, and made in the U.S.A. too, "using highly
automated surface mount equipment and rigid quality control procedures," says
the company.  They seem to be doing things right.
     For more information, contact Practical Peripherals, 31245 La Baya Drive,
Westlake Village, CA  91362; 818-706-0333, FAX: 818-706-2474.
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     David Batterson reviews various PC hardware and software.  Use your trusty
modem to contact him via MCI Mail: 273-7218.