Crossword Genius

Computer device offering verse in minutes? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

modem

'computer device' is the definition.
(short for modulator-demodulator)

'verse in minutes?' is the wordplay.
'verse' becomes 'ode' (ode is a type of poem or verse).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'minutes?' becomes 'mm' (an abbreviation for minutes written twice).
'ode' going inside 'mm' is 'MODEM'.

'offering' is the link.

(Other definitions for modem that I've seen before include "Phone-to-computer connector" , "Phone line and computer connector" , "Telephonic computer connection" , "Online connection device" , "Digital-analogue converter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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