On 2/16/2019 9:33 AM, nospam wrote:
123456789 wrote:

an acoustic coupler *is* a modem, just one that's acoustically coupled
versus hardwired.

Of course. But Roger and I were talking about a particular kind of modem
that we once used many years ago: The acoustic coupler. If Roger and I
were talking about the convertibles we had in our youth (and they were
fun) would you gripe because I didn't use the word car?
I just slipped one coupler cup on the phone's mouthpiece, the other on
the phone's earpiece, and I was good to go. 20 seconds max. No moving
hotel furniture, no attacking spiders, no screwing around (literally).

a screwdriver and an rj11 jack are a lot smaller, with both fitting in
a pants pocket

Putting the coupler in a suitcase was not a big burden when I traveled.
Much like I take a laptop or tablet along today.

connect it once when first arriving and remove it before checking out.

As I said YMMV. With my luck the hotel room cleaning person would spot
the unauthorized electrical trespass and report me. Then I'd be out on
my ear... 8-O

and if you're staying in a hotel with attacking spiders, you have other
problems than worrying about getting online.

You and Arlen need to work on your sense of humor...