Review of the Migent Pocket Modem
                   Copyright 1987 by David Batterson

     As more business travelers take their IBM-compatible laptop computers on
the road with them, they have a need for a portable modem as well.  The newest
laptops (as seen at COMDEX/Fall) feature internal modems, but there are still
lots of laptops and transportables in service that don't have modems.
     Migent, Inc. has set its sights on capturing this market with its Pocket
Modem.  They also market a Macintosh version, with the only difference being
the cable and software.  Apparently many users do lug their Macs away from
home, even though they are not considered a portable.
     By mistake, Migent shipped a review unit for the Mac, so I was unable to
take a look at the communications software which is bundled with it, BitCom
version 3.2.  Rather, I used it with my usual software:  ASCII Express.
     Installation was easy.  For normal use, you plug the modem directly into
the serial port (male) of the computer.  I tried it first with the AC adaptor,
and it worked perfectly on the first dial.  It certainly should, as it is
Hayes Smartmodem and Bell 212/103 compatible.
     Just like my modem (Practical Peripherals PM1200SA), the Pocket Modem
uses an EPROM chip instead of dip switches to change the configuration.  This
memory is nonvolatile, thus the settings are preserved even if you remove the
battery.  You can also store a telephone number.
     This is literally a modem you can stick in your pocket.  It's only 5" x 2
1/2" x 1 1/4".  The case is bright red plastic.  (It's about time we saw some
computer products in color!)
     Unlike some modems (including mine), you don't have to look at the tiny
print or abbreviations to see which phone jack is which.  You can attach a
phone or telephone line to either one; no problem.
     A nice feature are the "thumbwheel" screws which hold the modem secure to
the computer (or cable, if you use one instead).  It saves having to carry a
tiny screwdriver to tighten cable screws!
     The modem uses a standard 9-volt alkaline battery (included too; when's
the last time you bought something with battery included?).  Estimated battery
life is 10 hours.  You are told NOT to use a Nickel Cadmium type battery,
since when those batteries go low, they go quickly and give very little
warning, even if you have the battery alarm enabled.
     Migent also includes a 7-foot phone cord, communications program, modem
setup program, cable, AC adaptor and manual.  The Pocket Modem features a
standard serial female 25-pin connector.  If your computer has a female serial
port too, you'll need a gender changer.
     To preserve battery power, you turn off your computer or disconnect the
modem when not in use.  Or plug in the AC adaptor and the battery is disabled
automatically.
     Using it with the battery, it also performed without a hitch.  Installing
the battery wasn't difficult, but it didn't seem to snap into the compartment
as it should have.  It's a minor design flaw.  Putting the lid back on holds
the battery in place, however.
     You should have no problem using the Pocket Modem, no matter what
communications program you have, such as PC Talk, QModem, ProComm, CROSSTALK
or PFS Access.
     The factory settings are the same as the Hayes Smartmodem.  These can be
changed in the EPROM by using various commands.  For instance, when I want to
put my computer in the auto-answer mode, I have to change dip switches
(actually EPROM changes) 1 (DTR sensing on), 5 (allow auto-answer), and 6 (DCD
follows carrier).
     To make the same changes with the Pocket Modem, you would use the AT
commands:  AT&D1, ATS0=1 (answer after one ring), and AT&C1.  If you wanted to
store these commands in memory, you'd then use AT&W (write configuration).  To
go back to standard settings, use AT&F (factory configure).
     This modem dials very fast in its standard setting: 7 digits per second. 
By monitoring with the phone line, you'll hear just how fast it goes.  This is
adjustable with the ATS11 command.
     To store a phone number, you type AT&Z 213-123-4567 (up to 28 digits). 
Then you dial that number by typing ATDS (dial stored #).
     The modem sends a beep (^G) to your computer when the battery is low.  If
you hear the beep while online, you should have time to finish your session,
since it means you have about 10 minutes of battery life remaining.  If this
causes any software compatibility problems, disable the alarm with AT&B&W.
     You may be used to having a speaker in your modem to monitor ringing,
busy or carrier detect.  There is no speaker in the Pocket Modem, so you have
to rely on screen messages (or pick up the phone and listen).  To see the
progress messages, enter ATX20.  This will enable the messages NO DIALTONE,
BUSY, RR (remote ringing), or TONE (unique tone, such as used by MCI or US
Sprint).
     The only improvements (which are probably on the drawing board) I would
want to see would be a tiny speaker, and LED indicator lights.  They don't
affect performance, but would be just icing on the cake.
     With the Pocket Modem, you'll no longer have any excuse not to
communicate via your computer when you're "on the road again."  Migent has
loaded this little red package with first-class features, and it should
provide years of excellent service.
     Suggested list price is $259, but you will find it discounted for less. 
For more information, call 800-633-3444.

                                 -30-                   

David Batterson writes for various computer and general interest publications,
and is a daily modem user.  He can be reached via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.