Mini-Modem for Wireless Internet Service

Metricom's Ricochet service lets mobile users in major metropolitan areas access the Internet at speeds up to 128 kbps--wirelessly. But until recently, you had to hook up an external modem the size of a large handheld to use the service. Now there's a less clunky (but pricier) alternative: the Merlin for Ricochet PC Card modem from Novatel Wireless.

My shipping copy of this Type II PC Card modem was a snap to install, and it came with drivers and software for Windows 2000, 98 SE, NT, and even Windows CE. I was up and running in a couple of minutes, using an account from Ricochet reseller Wireless Web Connect (at $75 per month, currently available in 13 major urban areas). As with the original USB/serial modem, the bandwidth you get depends on how near you are to one of the Ricochet access points; in general, the closer you are to a window, the better. In my tests in downtown San Francisco, the Merlin's speeds were sometimes painfully poky--as slow as 10 kbps. That is adequate for e-mail, but I certainly wouldn't try to use it for streaming media.

My one design gripe: The Merlin's antenna sticks out at an angle and won't telescope or fold flat against your notebook. As a result, you have to remove the PC Card from its slot to pack your notebook into a carrying case. And at $299, the Merlin costs three times as much as the original USB/serial modem from Ricochet. That's a hefty premium, but for many mobile users the extra $200 may be well worth spending to shed the cables and bulk of the external modem.

SUMMARY

Merlin for Ricochet PRO: First PC Card modem for 128-kbps Ricochet service. CON: Stick-up antenna means card must be removed when notebook/palmtop is packed; pricey. VALUE: Worthwhile if you prize small size and cable-free installation. Street price: $299 Novatel Wireless 888/888-9231 www.novatelwireless.com