No more Zoom for me.

I ordered this Zoom modem to replace my beloved Modem Blaster DE5670 modem. After a week of fussing with it I gave up & called tech support.

The modem seemed promising. Supports the upcoming V.92 protocol which promises faster data transfer rates over the current V.90. The actual modem is very small & compact(2x5"). I never had the opportunity to check out the included software, but the two enclosed manuals were better than trying to read a 20 page .pdf Readme file.

I installed the modem per the directions several times, installed it my way several times, modified some of my system's settings & components, double checked on the chipset compatibility of the modem to the motherboard, checked for newer drivers, & it still wouldn't work. I really spent far more time on it that I should have.
My system would recognize the modem, power light & initialization lights would light up as if something was going to happen, like opening a much needed port, & then it would crash my system (1 gig Athlon, Asus A7V board w/VIA Apollo 133A chipset, 384 MB RAM, Win98 SE).

Upon returning the modem to Zoom I was told it was functioning properly, go figure.

My biggest problem with Zoom is it's tech support. I checked all over their website for help with the installation & trouble shooting--there was nothing on the site remotely useful. Once I was able to find the well hidden tech support phone number (hidden in .pdf files on the install CD) I called & was spoken to in not only a rude tone of voice, but the tech's comments were very condescending. I only hope the call was monitored. I did write a letter to the company to complain as well. For me, tech support makes or breaks a product.

It pains me to even have to give this product 1 star.