modems

[andreadebiase]

Modems with 56K V90 specs come in different prices and flavors. Can anyone suggest me a good one please?

[bassman]

I am running a ModemBlaster 5660 in my desktop. Aside from a conflict with my soundcard that was fixed with a driver update, I am very happy with it. The voice and fax that came with it is also pretty easy to use. There is a lot of other junk on the disk so make sure you only load what you want.

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If your not living on the edge, your taking up to much space!

[Randy_tx]

I like any 56k v90 modem with either the Lucent or Cirrus Logic chipset in them.....Lucent if you can get it http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[spaceAlien]

Greets --

I recently went from 36.6 to 56K and have been having problems. Connections speeds between 24K and 42K, and line drops. Also, it takes much longer for the modems to negotiate when connecting.

I wanted a hardware modem (not winmodem), and also I have no ISA slots. I ended up with a D-Link DSB-560 USB external. Turns out it has a Rockwell chipset.

I think my problems are with my telephone line, which the phone company won't fix. From thier perspective -- it ain't broken. "You got a dial tone, so what's the problem."

I'm about ready to go back to the 36.6K I would return the D-Link, if I hadn't thrown the box away...

I would like to see reviews of modems which are:
* Not a WinModem
* Not ISA
* Lucent Chipset

Problem is vendors often don't say if it is a winmodem, or what the chipset is.

If anyone can figure out how to choose a modem, let me know.

Grins --

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ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US

[mjc]

Basically external modems are "hardware" modems that is they have chips secifically designed to do all the functions a modem is requried to do they do not pass some of those functions off to the main processor. Most ISA modems are also hardware modems. USB modems can be either but rely on the CPU and power supply more than some other internal modems (ISA or PCI). There are very few PCI modems that are hardware modems. A good indicator is that if the modem says jumper-less or supports only Windows then it is a software modem.

Actiontec makes an internal PCI modem that is controller based (MSR $85 US)that is a Lucent chipset, they also have several other modems available, USR(3Com or whatever they're called now) has many hardware based modems in the $100+ range.

Usually if you know what kind of server your ISP uses then if you get a matching chipset modem you'll have a better chance of getting good connections. For example if your ISP uses Lucent based servers then a Lucent chipset modem should be your first choice and should have the greatest chance of a good connection.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[Paleo Pete]

Actually mjc has a very good point. Matching what your ISP uses should give you the best results.

I'm using my 2nd Zoltrix with a Rockwell chip, both have always done very well, and the Aopen 56K with Rockwell chip I had earlier was good too, until lightning got it...all are hardware based.

US Robotics, now 3Com, have always had a good reputation too.

And of course stay with hardware, not Winmodems or software based, they usually do better.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[gbud]

I would say get a DSL or Cable modem http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

3com usr ext 56k v.90 can be found here for 79bucks
http://www.compuplus.com/products.php3?sid=3lvhg94ew0935w3&cat=Modem

I used to have one laying around the house but I gave it away....guess I shoulda sold it....didnt realize they were still laying people over the barrel for them things!