Onboard Communication Options

Last night Steve and I met onboard the BOAT (currently SV Victory) to sort out some of the electronic communications logistics. We want to have at least two systems: 1) An SSB (single sideband, high-frequency) radio with a Pactor modem for sending and receiving email messages and downloading weather faxes; and 2) An Irridium satellite phone for very expensive phone calls to and from friends and family.
Unfortunately the Icom 700 SSB currently on board is not compatible with the Pactor modems (it's just too old). However, Tad's 710 model will work if, of course, the SSB works. We wanted to test it last night but need a different set of connectors and a different tuner. However, we had a long chat with someone who used to sell the modems for Icom, and he provided a great deal of valuable info. He's got a couple of used modems on eBay--Steve's got his eyes on 'em. The last unknown in the SSB realm is the number and types of ports on Tad's laptop, which is currently AWOL at his sister's place in New Jersey. A road trip is in the works for Tad this Sunday. Then we can at least choose between the USB and Serial cabling for the modem for whatever modem and SSB combo we come up with. (Are you still reading this? I thought I'd lost you by now!).
I'll post again on this subject when we've resolved the issues. Then we'll be able to keep in touch along the way. Just remember that a Pactor modem on an SSB runs about the same speed as those dial-up modems of yester-century. So keep your notes brief! More details about that later...