Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: alabaster on October 22, 2008, 08:35:13 PM

Title: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 22, 2008, 08:35:13 PM

Hi all,

I just bought an old laptop for an elderly friend who wants to send and receive email but doesn't want to spring for broadband. It's a Compaq Armada 1130T, circa 1997, and I can't figure out what kind of cable to connect to the modem. I'm not even sure where the modem jack is. Device Manager shows that the computer contains a modem, but it doesn't use the phone jack I expecting. Could the dongle at http://snipurl.com/4maf2 be what I need? If so, any idea how I'd hook it in? Thanks for any help.

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on October 23, 2008, 02:15:46 AM

Can you not find an Ethernet port?
http://www.publicwebstations.com/howto/ethernet.jpg

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 23, 2008, 01:07:32 PM

No, this laptop's way too old for an Ethernet port. It doesn't even have USB.

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on October 23, 2008, 09:29:44 PM

Wow, nice.

Anywhere on the laptop to add a PCMCIA Card?
(like this: http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/full/a89fa.jpg)

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 24, 2008, 02:14:48 AM

Yes, there's an open PCMCIA slot, and I may resort to it if I can find an inexpensive 56K dial-up modem to put into it. I'm frustrated, though, because both Device Manager and Belarc Advisor are telling me there's already a modem installed.

One weird feature of this laptop (I mean, besides the phantom modem): in the front is a sort of little door, with two flaps (upper and lower) that swing open in the same direction. That door is the one possible clue I can find to the modem's location. Each flap has two prongs on the inside, i.e., pointing into the laptop (four prongs in all). Maybe the four-pin dongle I've ordered will fit there and solve my problem. I'm just flailing, though. I really have no idea.

Anyway, thanks for your help so far. If you have other thoughts I'd appreciate them.

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: patio on October 24, 2008, 06:39:39 AM

Is there a serial port on the rear of this laptop ? ?

That Would Be Another Option... (http://www.google.com/url?sa=U&start=12&q=http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx%3FSubmit%3DENE%26N%3D2002810018%25201126509664%26name%3DRS-232%2520(Serial%2520Port)&usg=AFQjCNHkN00_QvepEk2nFX70ZoKsAn_B3g)

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 24, 2008, 09:14:42 AM

There is a serial port, and you're right, it's another option. Thank you for the suggestion. I'll keep it in mind in case I can't find the *!@#$%^ installed modem.

Someone at another site wrote that the modem is on the right side of the laptop. But all that I can find on the right side is a small empty oval with beneath it a symbol that resembles two links of a chain. Does that sound like a modem port? If so, any idea what kind of cable I would use there?

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 24, 2008, 09:46:39 AM

Someone else at another site wrote this:

the connection is on the front to small taps put and clip in the phone line

Does anyone know what that means?

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: alabaster on October 24, 2008, 11:27:41 AM

Forget it. I've caved and ordered a PCMCIA modem that should work. Thanks for the ideas. Enjoy the day.

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on October 25, 2008, 12:27:01 AM

All right then.

Title: Re: Modem for an old (1997) laptop?
Post by: patio on October 25, 2008, 10:53:15 AM

Order DSL service for her...