Burnside's DTM - a viable comms solution for inaccessible locations

WHY WOULD ANYONE want to buy a device which takes the guts out of a GSM mobile phone and stuffs them inside a desk-bound unit instead? It seems crazy until you realise that there are plenty of geographical locations where standard fixed line communications simply don't exist yet a GSM network is in reach.

Basically, you can take any GSM SIM card, place it inside Burnside's DeskTop Mobile (DTM) and then enjoy access to both voice and data communications via standard telecoms equipment. So, for example, if you prefer to use a standard telephone handset to speak to customers or colleagues, all you need to do is plug it into the DTM's telephone connector. It sports a US style telephone socket but Burnside provides a converter for UK telephones. The box even passes CLI (the caller's telephone number) onto CLI compatible devices - although The INQ had some problems getting this to work.

Another typical office device - a fax machine - could easily share the DTM's telephone connector if you so choose. Furthermore, as the unit is powered by DC current, it's possible to use it inside a yacht or a truck if you so choose. Additionally, the DTM has full access to text messaging (SMS) so you can keep in touch via text without resorting to email.

On the plus side the DTM is fully capable of supporting a GPRS data link in addition to a standard dial-up (9.6 Kbit/s) connexion so you can just about surf the Net courtesy of a 20-40 Kbit/s GPRS link. The downside is that you have to connect to the DTM via a standard modem (RS232) connexion whereas The INQ could have expected at least an infra-red (IrDA) or Bluetooth capability instead. But since it emulates a regular (Hayes compatible) modem, you can use it with an Apple Mac as well as a Windows based PC.

The DTM is somewhat let down by its rather complex menu system, although the supplied manual is pretty comprehensive. Now here's the biggest catch. You know how a mobile phone can interfere with your PC's speakers if it's right next to the screen? Well, the same principle applies to the DTM. To avoid interference while speaking over a telephone handset, you have to mount the unit's antenna as far away from the phone as possible. Fine in a large office, a bit of a problem in a confined space.

Burnside also seems to be a bit ambitious about the possible use of the DTM for remote monitoring or remote control applications. So the manual describes how someone with an electronics bent might enable the DTM to open a magnetic door switch when the unit receives an appropriate SMS (text) message. So the DTM competes in the machine-to-machine (M2M) sector as well as the standard remote office application niche.

The Burnside DTM isn't a boys' toy nor is its appeal aimed at gadget freaks. It's a tool for those who would otherwise be completely cut off. Now let's see, where might the DTM prove most useful? Answer. In disaster areas - both those caused by Mother Nature and by B52s. µ

For: Can be used anywhere there's DC power and a GSM signal Against: Menu system is complex. Antenna must be mounted well away from unit

Review: Desktop Mobile (DTM)
Supplier: Burnside Telecom
Retail Price: £395 (ex VAT)
Web: www.burnsidetelecom.com