Best modem?

[Xstar]

I want to buy a new modem, 56k v90. Any best picks on a brand or type? Thx for the help.

[JW310]

Xstar,
I have had the best experience with USR modems. They are a little on the pricey side, but would you rather pay $20 for a modem that hardly works or $75 for a modem that works hard?

And if you use an OS other than Windoze, I would suggest either getting an external or an ISA modem. I have a USR 1749 (OEM), which I bought from a local computer store, that has given me the fastest transfer rates. It's a v.90 data/fax/voice modem.

JW

[bdog]

Ipersonally like the diamond supra express. I t connects faster than my usr ever did. I also have three usr modems that crapped out on me, a 33.6, a 56k, and a 56kv90

[Axel]

External is definitely the way to go if you can spare the com port and IRQ space. I love having the power to turn off my modem without having to kill my system when it hangs. Definitely worth the extra $20 for external and don't leave the store without the cable you need to attach it to the com port.

Things to stay away from - I absolutely hate WIN-modems - had nothing but trouble with mine even though some people swear by them. Did some swearing myself when I tore the last one out of my system.

Don't go for a "deal" on a motorola modem - they are as UN-standard as you can get and use something other than the HAYES message set that most everything else uses.

US Robotics are generally good as long as you don't get their fore-mentioned WINmodem series.

I've got a 33.6 wisecom in one of my systems at home that has been real good to me.

Also, historically, Practical Peripherals and Global Village made pretty reliable stuff.

I'd stay away from modems that have a lot of other features on then if you can - you run into weird system conflicts when you start mixing too many peripherals on one card.

[pickel]

Axel: I saw your post and have been comtemplating getting a new modem. Right now I have a Winmodem and would like to get the external as I think it'll do better as was said. Could I use the IRQ and Comm port that the modem I have now is using and is it hard to install as I have no idea how to do that.
Any advice gladly appreciated.

The pickel

[Brangwen]

I have never seen "my" modem mentioned, but it's never given me difficulty through two systems: Rockwell v.34 Voice Speakerphone PnP. Mine is a 36.6k, and I'm just now upgrading to a Creative Labs 56k Modem Blaster Flash 56II (ISA) Date/Fax/Voice/ Speakerphone.

Good luck! /forum/wink.gif

[Underclocked]

Pretty good deal on the SupraExpress 56k external at Diamond's eStore clearance section http://estore.diamondmm.com/cust/cdeploy?ecaction=ecwalkin&template=frameset_all.en.htm but be prepared for some uncertainty in delivery time.

[CMonster]

An external modem is probably the best and easiest solution but the Creative Modem Blaster /ISA - (controller based modem) is an excelent choice. I too would recommend against Winmodems - you get what you pay for.

The Actiontec PCI CONTROLLER BASED modem is supposed to be top notch, though I have never used it - they claim many features including call waiting and compatiblity with Linux and other non-Windows operating systems. PCI will also insure that the modem will be compatible with future motherboards, at least for a while.

[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 11-03-1999).]

[Alzarius]

If you want the best modem on the planet, you can go for my personal favorite. The US Robotics Courier V Everything External. Yeah baby! I paid 400 dollars for this puppy back in mid 95. It was a 28.8, bumped up to a 33.6 before it left the factory. Then it was upgradeable, for free to 56k X2 and then V.90 when it came out. Of course, they don't cost that much anymore off of Pricewatch, but hey, I paid for absolutely brand new technology in 95. But anyway, if you are going to buy a modem, why not buy the best? These things aren't processors, and if you go with the 56k standard, you prolly won't need to buy another or upgrade for years to come. Unless you go cable, DSL, etc... And you won't be making any of those tech calls saying "My modem has a Rockwell chip, and I can't connect at X speed!" US Robotics is the best and Courier externals are the top of the line. My choice and my recomendation.

[Butchk]

I have used USR modems and diamond modems. The one I like is the Zoom modems I have had three of them so far from 14.4 to 56K PCI V.90 ITU standards they also have a 7 year warranty. They sell for 59.99 at Fry's stores.

[BC]

I have both a USR PCI winmodem and a diamond supramax modem in my comp. And to tell you the truth I haven't had any problems with either of them. And now with cable I have no need for any of them. Do you want them? I can sell them. They are both working. The USR was easy to set up and the driver's are all over the place and ISP's support it X2 more so than Kflex even though they say v.90 they still have preferences in there own modems. These 2 are both v.90 too. I will give you my email nospamINHEREnospam@INAME.COM just take the uppercase letters and take out the nospam.
Like I said I have no need for them with a cable modem now.

[DA]

I agree with Alzarius, USR v.everythings are cool. I got an external Courier which I have had for about 3 yrs.. the modem quality is great and the support is also good. Its gone from a 28.8 to a v90 over the last couple of years. Just a shame v.90 is the last pots standard..

[digital_rat]

Ive had Zooms, Diamonds, and USR's and the
best bang for the buck is the USR..the Zooms
turned out to be a piece

[Zotzmein]

In December of ’94 I purchased my last Hayes modem. Since then I’ve used only US Robotics (both internal and external) and had excellent experience with their product.

I would concur with the general consensus, which is to buy external. It really is the best route for modems.

Question:

Does anybody have practical experience with the growing line of external USB modems?

I’ve read somewhere that USB modems are similar to PCI modems in that they can tax the CPU, thus slowing down your systems overall performance; a definite no-no for online gaming. Am I dreaming this or is that true?

[MaxVal]

My personal favorite is the Aopen FM5600 ITU2. This is an ISA Jumperable Rockwell chipset Unit.
Installs easily (if you have the slot), performs well, costs less than $50, and out of 30 or so I have installed only one went bad.
Max

[Spanky]

maybe u should wait a little while man
have any of u guys heard about the 3d gamers modem?

check it out here http://www.3com.com/news/releases/pr99/oct2799b.html

[dawgtuff]

No to WinModems,tried the USR-unreliable.Got a Zoom DualMode 56K-Been very happy with it!

[Bronco]

ModemBlaster USB /forum/smile.gif

Love it

[Xstar]

Spanky That gamers modem at 3com looks real kool /forum/smile.gif I wonder if it works as well as they say. If anyone knows please pass it along and where did you purchase it at. Thanks for all the input. The kids ARE alright!

Xstar*