The minimum transmission speed you'll find today is 14.4Kbps. That's adequate if you plan to use your modem only for simple downloads and data transmission. However, a 28.8Kbps modem, which transmits and receives twice as quickly, can pay for itself by reducing your connect time and charges.

Your modem will probably come with a "lite" version of brand-name communications/fax software. Make sure it includes the features you'll need (such as OCR). Some modem manufacturers also include Internet browsers and software for online services.

The ability to communicate is everything. To be sure you can talk to any other modem you dial into, choose a modem that's compatible with a variety of standards, including the most common ones-V.Fast Class, V.32terbo and V.34.

Some modems do more than just transmit data. For an extra $100 or so, you can get a device that combines modem and Ethernet (10BaseT) capabilities. These enable you to use only one slot to handle networking and dial-up communications.

Expect to pay as little as $90 for a basic 14.4Kbps modem. A 28.8Kbps model will cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on its features.

Here are the factors you should consider when you're ready to start shopping for a PCMCIA-or PC card-modem.

For a $20 to $40 premium, you can buy a modem that lets you hook up via your cellular phone. Your data-transfer rate will probably max out at 9600bps, though, regardless of the modem's top speed. Direct-connect functionality automatically reconfigures the modem for use with your cellular phone each time you hook up.

You'll also want error correction to protect your data from static on the line and compression to speed throughput.

An XJack or EZjack connector lets you plug an ordinary RJ-11 phone cord directly into the modem. The downside: It may be more fragile than a traditional "pigtail" connector. Some units provide digital phone-line protection so an inadvertent connection to a digital PBX won't kill them. Modems with flash upgradability store the modem command set in memory. You can reprogram them with new software from a bulletin board or Internet site.

Finally, look for ease of installation and use. Many products include installation software that assigns the IRQs in Windows 3.1x. If you use Windows 95, look for Plug-and-Play certification.

Anew modem standard called Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data (DSVD) will enable modem users to speak and transmit data at the same time. This would enhance electronic videoconferencing applications by enabling users to share documents and speak simultaneously, via a single line.

A handful of DSVD modems are already available for desktop systems, and the standard should be finalized this fall. However, the logistics for PCMCIA modems with this capability have yet to be worked out. They're limited by their 8-bit bus configurations, but modem manufacturers are working with chip makers on a solution.

The Radish Communications VoiceView standard, which arrived last year, will work with PCMCIA modems-provided their firmware, hardware circuitry and accompanying software support it-but it does not offer the same functionality. Although it eliminates the need to reconnect, it doesn't allow full-duplex conversations and simultaneous voice and data transmission. The standard isn't likely to stick around for long, however, because Microsoft is throwing its weight behind DSVD.

Product Name __________

Manufacturer __________

Price __________

Speed _____ 14.4 Kbps _____ 28.8 Kbps

Compatibility _____ V.32terbo _____ V.34_____V. Fast Class

Software_____ Communications _____ Internet_____ Online Services

Cellular capabilities _____ Yes _____ No

Digital line protection _____ Yes _____ No

EZjack/XJack _____ Yes _____ No

Flash upgradable _____ Yes _____ No