The Psion Gold Card Global is a simple and speedy fax modem designed for travellers--and not just because it's a PC Card that fits in your laptop (Type II PCMCIA). Installing the Gold Card is rather simpler than the clearly written manual suggests because Windows includes the correct drivers, but it's worth taking the time to install the Psion software tools anyway. If you need to get connected while you're abroad, the EasySwitch software makes it simple to set up your system for the 40 countries where it's approved for connection, changing dialling tones and country codes automatically (although the modem doesn't come with the necessary telephone adaptors, just the standard UK cable). And if you run into any problems with the card there's a handy diagnostics suite that tests the cable, the PC speaker and the Gold Card modem itself. You also get free worldwide support from Psion.
You're not likely to run into many problems though: the metal casing is robust and the cable connections are firmly wired. The Gold Card even checks the phone line when you plug it in, in case you're connecting to a digital PBX that could damage the modem. The other software supplied gives you basic dial-up and fax features, but the Gold Card works well with Windows dial-up networking and other comms software.
In use the Gold Card is reliable and gives excellent dial-up speeds (but remember that you'll only see 56K on downloads: uploading is at the slower 33.6Kpbs). The 14.4Kbps fax speed means you're sending higher quality faxes than a standard fax machine. And if fax and phone connections aren't enough, you can upgrade the Gold Card to GSM so you can get online with your mobile phone: the card automatically detects whether you're plugged into a standard phone or a mobile. All in all, the Gold Card is pretty close to a gold standard for connecting on the move. --Mary Branscombe
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