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Modems come in all speeds and connection types. A "wireless" modem is for spread-spectrum radio messaging services such as SMS, ARDIS & RAM. An "analog" connection covers both landline and AMPS analog cellular (if "Cellular-Ready" is supported). A "digital" modem is for CDMA or GSM cellular phones, and, by definition, is already cellular-ready.
As a general rule, 56k modems are considerably more power-hungry than V.32 and slower modems due to the nature of the Rockwell chipset.
For "standby" measurements, "init" is the brief load spike caused when the card is inserted and recognized by the OS, while "idle" is the draw when the card is inserted but inactive. When no sub-label is indicated, "idle" is always assumed. "On" is, of course, when the device is off-hook and active.
| Modem | Connection Type | Speed | FAX | Cellular Ready | Power Consumption | |
| On | Standby | |||||
| Wireless Modems | ||||||
| Motorola AllPoints | Wireless (Mobitex) | n/a | N | N | 75 mA | 12 mA |
| Option Firstfone | Wireless (GSM-900) | 9.6 | N | N | 300 mA | 25 mA |
| V.32 Modems | ||||||
| Apex Mobile Pro 33.6 | Analog | 33.6 | Y | Y | 138mA | 45mA |
| Megahertz XJ4336 | Analog | 33.6 | Y | Y | 160 mA | 15 mA |
| Practical Peripherals PC336T2¹ | Analog | 33.6 | Y | Y | 250 mA | 5 mA |
| Pretec Modem 33.6² | Analog | 33.6 | Y | N | 370 mA | 2 mA |
| Simple 33.6 Communicator | Analog | 33.6 | Y | Y | 190 mA | 185 mA |
| TDK GlobalClass 2814C | Analog | 33.6 | Y | N | 255 mA | 22 mA |
| Viking 336 | Analog | 33.6 | Y | N (Win only) | 144 mA | 13 mA |
| V.90 Modems | ||||||
| Megahertz XJ5560 | Analog | 56 | Y | Y | 350 mA | 30 mA |
| Megahertz CC1560i | Analog | 56 | Y | N | 450 mA | 80 mA |
| Viking 56K² | Analog | 56 | Y | N (Win only) | 280 mA | 30 mA (init) 2 mA (idle) |
| Cellular Modems | ||||||
| Nokia 2110 Cellular Data Card | Digital (GSM) | 9.6 | Y | Y | 300 mA | 80 mA |
| Nokia 8110 Cellular Data Card | Digital (GSM) | 9.6 | Y | Y | 225 mA | 12 mA |
| Combo Modems | ||||||
| Option GSM/PSTN 33.6¹ | Analog/Digital (GSM) | 33.6/9.6 | Y | Y | 180 mA (Ana) 75 mA (GSM) |
15 mA |
With all due respect to vendors, any credible user reports¹ on current draw -- BATLOG results² preferred -- will override manufacturer-provided specs. The "nominal" ratings usually disclosed tend to be on the atypical low end of the spectrum, so I favor "real world" experiences...
If you have a card to add to the comparison chart, the pertinent data. Only cards that are proven to work in a Newton, please. This data may be relevant to non-Newton users as well, but remember, I am biased: only Newton-ready solutions allowed.
September 17, 2001