Are you nostalgic about 56K dial-up internet from the 1990s? Well, this Japanese company is selling an analogue 56K modem that can connect to your copper landline – if you have one of course
Japan is often seen as a world leader in advanced technology, known for innovations in robotics, electronics and high-speed rail. However, the country is also known for its tendency to hang on to older technology long after it has been abandoned elsewhere.
Only recently has Japan started phasing out floppy disks in government offices, and far too many of its laptops and devices are still equipped with outdated features like VGA connectors. We recently reviewed a PCI Express adapter that adds a parallel port to modern PCs, allowing buyers to connect long-forgotten devices like HP LaserJet or dot-matrix printers. For extra nostalgia points, the driver for it comes on a CD, and is compatible with Windows XP and newer.
But now Planex Communications has embraced Japan’s reluctance to fully move forward with the release of its program PL-US56K2(A) USB-connected 56K modem, ideal for anyone who still wants to dial into the Internet like it’s 1999.
BEEEEEE-DEEEE-DEEEEE-KEEEEEE-SHHHHH-BRRRRR-DEEEEE-KRRRRRR-WEEEEEEEEE-SHHHHHHH
Priced at around 5,980 yen (about $40) on Amazon, this device is designed for PCs without built-in modems, allowing access to analog public telephone lines for Internet connectivity, data transmission, and even faxing – all without the need to install any drivers.
The modem supports the ITU-T V.90 and V.92 protocols and offers a maximum theoretical data reception speed of 56 Kbps and a transmission speed of up to 33.6 Kbps. You won’t be streaming HD videos at those speeds, but at least you can check your emails or send a fax while thinking about how far technology has come – or not, depending on your perspective.
Powered via USB 2.0, the PL-US56K2(A) is small and light, weighing just 28 grams and measuring a compact 25mm x 75mm x 18mm, making it easy to store alongside your other relics from the late 90s, like your floppy drives, PalmPilot and that pile of free trial CDs from AOL.
The PL-US56K2(A) isn’t likely to take over the world, but it’s a handy solution for anyone still navigating the world of dial-up connections or needing to send the occasional fax.