Date: 31 Oct 2001 21:14:37 -0800 From: Raybotlst <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [LIB] XJACK connectors - was: LAN+Modem PC Card for only $59
> > > One hint, before you actually buy an XJACK connector, have a good play > > > with one at your local computer store. Only buy it if you're SURE > > > you're not going to break it! They are flimsier than they look and > > > unlike a dongle cable they're impossible to replace if you break them > > But unlike a dongle, it's impossible to forget to bring the xjack > > connector along with you! (And you can transport the whole setup just by > > keeping the card in the slot.) Note that you still need to use the dongle if you want to use both NIC and modem at once (for those who've never seen an Xjack card, the Xjack itself has a traditional dongle port next to it, presumably so you can still use the card if you break the Xjack off or if you need to use both NIC and modem at the same time). > > I've been using xjack pcmcia modems since I bought my first Libretto (5? > > years ago), and I wouldn't even consider getting a modem card with another > > kind of connector Gee you must be really careful with your laptops! ... certainly where I used to work an XJack wouldn't survive the first week of use ... we get people breaking the eject tabs, port doors and modem ports off notebooks in their first week for crying out loud! (and its not like the notebooks get rough use or fall off tables, these things spend 95% of their time sitting on desks ... we're talking people who can't remember to close their modem ports or remove their wireless NICs before putting them in their carry bags) > I agree... but most X-jacks are very flimsy! Anyway, if the accidental > tugging of the cord is a potential problem, you COULD make a short jumper, > go to an inline coupler, and at the point the jumper plugs into the coupler, > break off the tab on the plug so it will slip out easily rather than rip out > the guts of the modem/NIC Ya but then you might as well get a dongle besides which even if you break that tab off I still think that only reduces the chances of snapping the Xjack off by a small amount, especially if the cable is particularly stiff (and hence sticks up off the Xjack for a length before flattening out). The other issue is that not only is that thing succeptable to being snapped off (because of the leverage the cable has, the weak point is the join between the Xjack and the card as opposed to the join between the card and the slot as is the case with Realport or iPort style cards) but also the 'tongue' sitting under the Xjack connector has a habit of jamming up (at least with the demo card we had) along with that little wire brace thats supposed to stop you from pushing the network port plug right through the Xjack. Unless you're going to be treating the thing with kid gloves so to speak I really don't think they're up to it as far as durability is concerned (and lets face it, we use Librettos because we can move them round heaps so they're going to get a bit of rough and tumble use ... if we're going to keep the thing in the one place for long periods of time whats the point of a mini-notebook?). For a desktop replacement yes OK the Xjack has merit because you're not going to be moving it around and the cable is probably going to be routed intelligently (ie. where it won't get pulled) because you'll be plugging it into the same place on a regular basis. For something thats got as much chance of being used on your knee as it has on your desk however I think you really need something stronger (and especially so if you use your libby to check network ports, switches and patch panels and things like that ;-). Of course, there is also the issue of idiotic software setup where you can't run the combo card without the accompanying software (in addition to drivers), software which has a nasty habit of conflicting with existing devices (although like I said I don't know if they've fixed that yet). Personally I just stick to an Bromax iPort NIC and use the IrDA port to connect to my cellphone as a modem, then use a Xircom Realport in the enhanced port replicator (which has a type 3 slot) when I need a landline ... no dongles to lose, nothing small sticking out to break (the iPort DOES stick out but its metal and in line with the plug so if you pull the plug it simply pulls the card out, if you ineed manage to break THAT you'd probably have destroyed your PCMCIA slot already ... the only way I can think of that you'd break this thing is if you dropped it on the iPort!). *sigh* I must have something about writing ... I'm still trying to figure out why I felt compelled to write all this ... hehe :-) - Raymond __________________________________________ Get your free domain name and domain-based e-mail from Namezero.com New! Namezero Plus domains now available. 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