External modem offers voice messaging and call forwarding
For those laptop users who want a powerful, super-low-cost 56K modem that doesn't take up PC card slots, the Leopard Pocket USB modem ($79.95) is, hands-down, the way to go. This stylish little external USB modem -- not much larger than a cigarette lighter -- has a popular iMac-like design, with a translucent teal case. Starting in late spring, the Leopard will be available in four other fruit flavors: purple, blue, orange and clear.
Getting a basic USB modem (and cable) for this price would be a bargain, but the software that comes with the Leopard offers a range of features found in modems costing two or three times as much. It has voice messaging, voice mail with remote retrieval, pager notification, call forwarding and Fax-On-Demand.
Other benefits of the Leopard include lower power consumption than a PC card-based modem, no IRQ conflicts to worry about, and the hot-plugging advantage of USB. In fact, there are so many advantages to the Leopard, that I'd recommend it just as highly for desktop PCs (if you have a free USB port).
Information: 800-800-3321 or www.sharkmm.com
Hard drive management made easier by PowerQuest
Partitioning your hard drive -- dividing it into several sections to organize programs, data, and different operating systems, has long been a daunting task for all but the most advanced PC users. Since 1993, PowerQuest has been gradually making this process less "user-surly," and its latest version, 4.0 ($69.95 for new customers, $29.95 for upgraders) is a total dream. Anyone who can click a mouse and follow set-by-step Wizards can create new disk partitions, re-size existing ones, convert between 16-bit and 32-bit file systems, and load multiple operating systems onto their PC.
PartitionMagic includes PowerQuest's other popular program, BootMagic, which not only allows you to load multiple operating systems, but lets you easily switch between them.
If you've been wondering what all the hoopla is over the Linux OS, and want to have a peek at it (without having to retool your entire computer), PartitionMagic/ BootMagic is just what the Disk Doctor ordered.
As hard drives have become larger, partitioning has become more of a necessity. Unfortunately, many partitioning programs can't handle some of today's behemoth hard drives.
PartitionMagic can handle drives up to 20GB. One very useful application of partitions is to separate your data files from your programs to more easily facilitate regular back-ups.
You can also create a partition to test software whose stability you're unsure of, and create hidden partitions for security purposes.
Advanced users need not worry. PartitionMagic has all of the power and functionality of earlier versions (and then some) and offers both a Wizard-based interface and a manual method for those who don't need the hand-holding.
Working with this program, you quickly begin to understand why its garnered so many enthusiastic reviews and industry accolades.
Information: 801-437-8900 or www.powerquest.com
- Gareth Branwyn
You can find full reviews of these and other neat gadgets at www.streettech.com.
Pub Date: 03/29/99