Best internal modem for common PC use, but why ?
by
Gr8ful
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in Computer Hardware, Business & Technology, Software at Epinions.com
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May 16, 2000
Pros:
56k, X2 technology with V.90 standard, 16 Bit ISA ( hardware controlled)
Cons:
A little pricey, but worth it
The Bottom Line:
A solid hardware modem with flashable BIOS. Barring lightning, this modem will outlast your computer.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
This modem is the best choice for the most compatibility in your PC. I have used this modem with Windows 95/98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Linux and OS2. This is a standard ISA modem, which is the only type I will buy. Most ISA modems use actual hardware UART chips to control the flow of data where as PCI modems generally all use software controllers. Be sure to ask when buying a modem which type of UART is used.
The 3COM 16 Bit ISA modem is basically the old U.S. Robotics 56k X2, with added V.90 support. V.90 is the standard all internet providers use to accommodate users with either Flex technology or X2 technology. It requires at least a 486DX processor, 4MB RAM, and 2MB hard drive space. It also requires a CDROM for software and driver installation. If you don't have a CDROM you can order the drivers from 3Com and they will send them to you on floppy disks for free.
When modems first reached the 56k mark, there were two separate standards for data control. There was the "56K Flex" technology, and the "56k X2" technology, which was developed by U.S. Robotics. Most internet providers used either X2 or Flex and this was a major problem if your internet provider used a different technology than you had.
The V.90 standard changed all that and made it possible for most 56k modems to upgraded with a simple flash program to the UART controller chip. Very few were unable to be upgraded in this way. 3Com bought U.S. Robotics and uses the X2 V.90 standard in their modems. Most PCI or Winmodems, as well as the new ISA modems, are designed with V.90 incorporated in their structure and software drivers.
This modem is capable of fax at 14.400 kbps and data speeds up to 56.000 kbps (download only) on the internet. The 56k data speed is attainable only if you have a good telephone line and are not to far away from an internet relay. The 56k data speed is also only valid on downloads. This is not limited to this modem, all modems at 56k are only capable of downloading at that speed. Upload speeds can reach a maximum of 33.600 kbps. Data speeds are completely reliant on your phone line and won't make any difference which 56k modem you use (in most cases).
I have had my 3Com U.S. Robotics 56k ISA modem for 4 years and it's lasted longer than most of my computers because I build a new one about every year. I always transfer my modem to the new computer and have never had installation problems or connection problems. Best of all, Windows 95 and 98 recognize the modem and will install Windows drivers that work fine for this modem. So, if you loose your driver disk, no sweat, you can still install it from the Windows CDROM.
An excellent ISA modem by a top notch manufacturer, I recommend this modem for all computer users looking to purchase a 56k modem. Make sure you have a free ISA slot before purchasing this modem. More and more computer manufacturers are omitting ISA slots from their design. It's sad but that's the way technology progresses, out with the old in with the new.
