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cianciolo
Tl Posts:
10

USA
Posted - 11/24/2004 5:05:06 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
I was looking to upgrade to a 56K V.92 modem for personal desktop at home. I have been looking on the manufacturers website, but they are biased of course. I am looking for recommendations for a controller-less and a controller based internal PCI modem. Thanks
v.Richard
Tl Posts:
6222

USA
Posted - 11/24/2004 10:00:04 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message  v.Richards Homepage
No matter where you get recommendations, there are 'biases' -
www.modemsite.com/56k/buy.asp

Aloha! Richard.

cianciolo
Tl Posts:
10

USA
Posted - 11/25/2004 11:27:21 AM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
Yeah I know I am looking for recommendations that are based more objective measures, like performance, reliability, good value for the money, etc.
Pi
Tl Posts:
89

USA
Posted - 11/25/2004 7:31:46 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
"and a controller based internal PCI modem"

Your only choice in a (hardware) controller based PCI modem, that I know of, is MultiTech ZPX modem.
http://www.multitech.com/PRODUCTS/Families/MultiModemZPX/

If you recognize the value of a PCI hardware based modem it might be worth the price.
Interesting thing about these modems you never see anyone asking how or having problems installing them.

cianciolo
Tl Posts:
10

USA
Posted - 11/26/2004 3:27:18 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
I was considering either a controller-less or a controller based modem. It appears that the one on modemsite.com would be the recommended controller-less. And I guess from the info on this page www.modemsite.com/56k/buy.asp you no longer recommend the USR modem, I know it was an external one. I was looking at the USR5610B though as an internal possibility. Well thanks for all the info.
Pi
Tl Posts:
89

USA
Posted - 11/26/2004 5:56:58 PM  Show Profile  Email Poster  Edit Message
I incorrectly assumed the USR 5610B Performance Pro Modem was out of production but still available from existing stock.
I now see it is listed at USR site as a current model.
I prefer the MultiTech because of the Agere Venus chipset and the mechanical DAA (transformer and relay).
The USR has a silicon based (solid-state) DAA.

http://modemsite.com/56k/lightning.asp
"""Some modems are more likely to be damaged than others: All dial-up modems have a DAA (data access arrangement). The DAA is responsible for the on/off-hook control of the phone line. Many newer modems are made with a solid-state DAA which is much more likely to be damaged during a thunderstorm. Modems using an electro-mechanical DAA generally are less likely to suffer damage during a thunderstorm."""

Hardware based external serial modems should be avoided, IMHO, because of the motherboards U.A.R.T.s they connect to.
http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/tutorials/57/1/

The only other hardware based PCI modem (Agere Venus mechanical DAA) still available "but out of production" is the Actiontec PCI Master.
It is an economy V90 ONLY modem, non voice and does not have a extension phone jack. Direct from Actiontec $49.95.
http://shopping.netledger.com/s.nl/c.ACCT122499/sc.2/category.5/it.A/id.16/.f

I think the Agere Winmodem Modemsite sells is the best you can get, mechanical DAA made by Lectron.
As you can probably can tell I prefer hardware modems (Venus).
But I own and have installed many Agere Winmodems for family and friends who are very happy with them.

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