People who have tried them, curse them. They’re seen as bulky, clumsy and decidedly low tech. Yet acoustic couplers are about the only way to ensure that you will be able to absolutely, definitely, without a doubt make a connection with your modem from nearly any phone, in any town, in any country in the world. Acoustic couplers may be universally loathed, but whether you need to send a fax or go online, couplers are a form of insurance that is too attractive to write off out of hand.

This simple technique of pressing the coupler against the telephone receive eliminates many headaches. No more fidgeting with phone line adapter plugs, screw drivers, alligator clips, or digital phone line converters. With couplers you simply put the receiver in place on the two rubber cups, secure firmly in place with the large Velcro band that is attached, and you’re up and computing.