Date   : Fri, 06 Sep 1985 22:37:08-PDT
From   : Joe Smith <G.JOESMITH@SU-SCORE.ARPA>
Subject: Portable PCs with internal modems vs public telephones.

Having a portable computer with a direct-connect internal modem is really
great - until you try to use it at a pay phone in the airport.  The modular
jack does not connect to public telephones.

I found one device that overcomes this problem (and it needs to be advertized
more).  It is the acoustic adapter that 3M sells with their WhisperWriter
portable terminals.

       Model 1490 acoustic coupler connects the 3M teleprinter to
       public phone lines through a telephone handset.  It is
       recommended for applications where direct connection to
       phone lines is either nott practical or not desirable.

The device consists of a pair of rubber cups, a modular jack, and a battery
powerred audio amplifier set.  You simply run a 3-foot modular line from it
to your PC, and put the pay telephone's handset in it.  Price is less than
$80, it works with 300 and 1200 baud internal modems, and should work at 2400.

In the Silcon Valley, the distributer is 3M Data Systems (408)866-8811.