BT Voyager 105 USB

Introduction

The BT Voyager 105 USB ADSL Modem, to give it its full name will probably be well known to a lot of people. It is the modem that AOL provides free for their broadband service. It is a compact, robust, reliable modem.

The look

The modem its self is quite small. With a length of around 12cm, a width of around 9cm and a depth of about 3cm it will fit nicely beside, on top or where ever there is room around your pc. It is a dark grey colour with white writing on it and a set of air holes in the top. From the back the two cables connect. The telephone connection (white) and the USB connection (blue). At the front of the modem are three teardrop lights. These are marked power, DSL and data. When the modem is active the first will light up, when connecting the second will start to flash then light up and once actually connected the third will flash. I find this an easy to read and useful indicator whether the modem is working and if I am having problems connecting.

Connection

This is an external modem and as such requires connecting to your computer. This modem has an USB connector, which makes it easy to connect, as long as your PC is new enough to have USB ports (almost all do now). The cable is long and easy to connect with. The phone connectors provided are also easy to connect, as a length of a few metres; the modem can be connected to phone ports outside of the room.

Reliability

I have never had a problem with this modem, easy to connect, set up and work. From a very reliable manufacturer, you would expect nothing less. The connection is fast, although this also has to do with the provider and never cuts off.

Other information

As this is a broadband modem, it allows you to speak on the phone and surf the net at the same time. Neither seems to interfere with each other and I quite often do both at once. This product has full CE approval and comes with a CD set up. It doesn't need a power source so can be used easily by laptop users too. This particular modem is actually no longer available for sale on the BT website, but as I mentioned most people will receive it with their AOL broadband package. It will also be available through the likes of ebay. I have had a quick browse on ebay and found a full modem pack for around £15.

Conclusion

This is an excellent modem, reliable and well made, it is small and easy to use. It is a plus point if you are thinking of signing up with AOL and a good modem to think about if you are in need of a cheap, straight-forward broadband modem.
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