The D-Link DMF-560TXD is a Direct Port 10/100Mb dual-speed Ethernet PC card with an integrated V.90/K56flex data-fax modem. It allows PC or Power Macintosh laptop users to seamlessly connect to both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet LANs. The D-Link DMF-560TXD also allows users to send and receive faxes, connect to the Internet, and dial into a remote-access server or PC.
The D-Link Direct Port technology allows users to plug their phone and network cables directly into the DMF-560TXD without the need for an external media coupler or dongle. Unlike similar technologies available in the market, D-Link's Direct Port can be plugged into the top PCMCIA type II slot on a notebook or laptop with double PCMCIA slots without blocking access to the second bottom slot.
The DMF-560TXD strictly adheres to the IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet and the ITU modem standards including V.90 to ensure maximum interoperability. The DMF-560TXD attempts to connect at the highest speed supported by an ISP, LAN, host modem, or fax machine and automatically defaults to a lower speed until a stable connection can be created.
Now shipping with Macintosh drivers, the DMF-560TXD can be used both with PowerBooks as well as PC-compatible laptops. Microsoft Plug and Play compatibility and a wide assortment of drivers enable the DMF-560TXD to work with most popular operating systems. A menu-driven installation utility and included diagnostics provide a simple method for installation and troubleshooting. Integrated digital line protection protects the modem from being damaged when connecting to a high-current digital PABX.
1 Easy to use.
I bought this card for use with a Mitac laptop, I chose this one because the prize was among the better compared to xircom and others and because it doesn't use dongles which the majority of those laptop cards did, back in 2000. I have used Win 95, 98 and Me with it and it works allright. The biggest problem using Me is the fact that it sucks up 50 % of RAM, but I don't recall any troubles with the card and Me..
2 This seems like a nice adapter, but...
This adapter does not work with Windows Me. Although it appears to have all the features you want at a really nice price, the D-link card is not a good value. In comparison to a premium card, such as Xircom or 3Com, the D-Link card uses 5 volts instead of 3.3 volts, which drains a portable PC's battery much faster. Also, the D-Link card does not have cell phone hookups or a global modem, which limits its use even further. Finally, the company's web site has sparse technical data and the phone technical support department operates on a 'call-back' system that very rarely returns calls.
3 D-Link's DMF-560TXD beats all PCMCIA's with dongles.
After owning two PCMCIA cards that broke at the dongle cable, I decided to try D-Link's dongleless PCMCIA DMF-560TXD. This was the wise choice to make because now I don't have to worry about the coupler breaking and having to replace it again. A new dongle cable costs as much as a new PCMCIA, so it's not worth having. The DMF-560TXD has plug-n-play for automatic installation, and it comes with lifetime warranty so I don't have to worry about ever buying another PCMCIA. D-Link's DMF-560TXD is great!
