arthurdent

Most terminal programs should also support connecting directly to the port, with no modem attached (it is possible in hyperterm, at least). I used to use Telix in DOS with a modem to call BBSs but it should be able to be setup to just open the port without dialing and watching for carrier detect, etc. (you may have to set it to 'direct connection' or 'null modem' or otherwise disable carrier detect and possibly flow control) As already mentioned by others, if a useful device is what you are looking for you are probably better off with something more modern. If you are looking just for a way to use this little computer (and usefulness is a distant second), then I can relate to that totally. :D (and in fact if you decide to sell it to get something more modern, I'd love a chance to bid on the item. ;)) I know very little about batteries, so you should do more research rather than listen to what I have to say. (but I'll say it anyway) I think that NiCad and NiMH are mostly compatible. (though I would be sure to use all of one type, not to mix and match) If you do decide to try charging the NiMH cells, make sure they don't get hot (I wouldn't leave it unattended), if you plug them in and they heat up then certainly that'll be a Bad Thing. According to this page: http://www.greenbatteries.com/bachfa.html the charging systems for NiCad and NiMH are similar, but a smart charger is recommended, especially for NiMH.