Global Village Communications has introduced a unique modem that attaches to the Mac's ADB ports like a keyboard or mouse. The $225 TelePort modem does not require a power supply and communicates at 300, 1200, and 2400 baud with class 5 MNP. It is, of course, Hayes compatible.

The TelePort claims several advantages over conventional modems by its use of the ADB port. It doesn't tie up one of the serial ports, which are used for printers, modems, AppleTalk, and more unusual devices such as Farallon's MacRecorder. By omitting the power cable, the TelePort decreases the number of cables snaking around on the desktop, and comes up automatically configured when the computer is turned on. This is possible, said Leonard Lehmann, president of Global Village Communication, because ADB devices identify themselves to the computer and are assigned a unique address on startup.

Global Village Communication has come up with innovative software, including the TelePort/Address Book, which automatically identifies locations you call and records the duration, cost, and any notes regarding the call. TelePort/FAX allows the TelePort to send any Macintosh document to a fax machine with automatic cover sheets. TelePort/FAX cannot receive faxes, but it does send in the background.

One liability for the TelePort in the future is that the ADB ports operate at a slower speed than the serial ports. This limitation may prevent Global Village Communication from increasing the baud rate of the TelePort above 2400 baud.

Global Village Communication -- 415/329-0700

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InfoWorld -- 23-Apr-90, Vol. 12, #17, pg. 28