Need recommendation for Modem

[FatFree]

I'm using windows 2k and I need a Internal PCI 56k modem.
Could anybody help me making a wise choice with cheap and reliable 56K modem.

Thx

 

[Bluga]

I'm looking for one too.

I'm thinking about Motorola.

 

[Cybordolphin]

Stay away from Motorola.

You should buy a Trendnet 56k v.90 High Speed Voice/Fax/Data modem. Visit their website, and do a search here on info about this great modem. It is probably the fastest modem there is right now. It aslo is very fast on lines that are "noisy".

They can be had for around $15 plus shipping. Also do not get a modem that uses the PCtel chip.
Get one with ESS, Rockwell, Lucent, etc..

I have a post with links to PCWorld reviews, and also the website for this modem. Try doing the search and you should find the post.

Good luck!

 

[Barrak]

I agree with the PCtel, Ess ok, Rockwell = poopy, Lucent good Us Robotics good. I work at an ISP that services a somewhat rural area and we have tuns of problems with PCtels and rockwell(now named conexent) modems. If you want to go cheep go Lucent, they are stable and fast, spend a bit more go USR.

 

[giambi77]

Heh, I'm in the exact situation as you!

What is the web site for that company anywayz?

 

[MichaelD]

Eh, not disputing the experiences that others have had, but merely citing my own personal experience.

I'm currently using a Creative Labs Blaster PCI Flash56/V.90 modem. The chip is made by Conextant. This is my second modem from CL using chips from Conextant. I've had zero probs. The modem chip is "flashable" so you can update it when new firmware/drivers (I know what the stuff does, just don't know the proper terminology in this case) come out. I paid $40 for mine. You can probably get it cheaper. Remember, when it comes to electronics, most of the time cheap price = POS component. Well, that's my $.02.

 

[rsales]

Good luck. I have tried a number of modems. For years I thought a good hardware modem was the best. Well only one of my hardware modems connects at any decent speed and that is to only one of three isp's I have tried. I have tried Couirer, Sportster and the Trendnet. The Sportster will connect to one isp ok. Now I bought a cheap and I mean cheap winmodem from Compusa that was posted in the hotdeals of this forum. It is a Smartlink PCI modem. It was $4.88 plus tax. To my surprise it is the fastest modem I have tried. It connects the fastest to all the isp's I have tried so far and it is consistant. I was shocked. The Trendnet only connected at 28800 for me on the same computer and phone line as the cheapy. I also tried a hardware based Blaster PCI modem which only connected at 28800. Seems the only way to really tell how well a modem will work is try it. I don't know what the difference is between the modems but you would think if one can connect at the faster speeds just about any other modem should be able to connect at simalar speeds. Obviously not.

 

[NeonFlak]

I've always thought zoom made some pretty damn good modems.

 

[MWink]

I did some modem tests this weekend on very dirty phone lines. The worst was USR. The best was the DSI 3635. I highly recommend the DSI I have used a large number of them and they work very well. They are available at Best Buy for $30.

 

[etech]

I had a ISA USR hardware modem, pings were consistent at 100. Picked up the DSI 3635 and pings are now aroung 200. Can't get error control or compression on with Juno. Juno has been canceled, DSL is on order.
If DSL wasn't available I would spend the money for another USR hardware modem.

I gave the USR to my father for a Christmas present to use with his P133.

DSI 3635 modem log.
01-29-2001 22:01:46.78 - Interpreted response: Connect
01-29-2001 22:01:46.78 - Connection established at 49333bps.
01-29-2001 22:01:46.78 - Error-control off or unknown.
01-29-2001 22:01:46.78 - Data compression off or unknown.
Lastest drivers and all that, have uninstalled and reinstalled.

 

[mylam]

most of them are same since using 56k...
of course try get cable or dsl will be much better