I'm upgrading my computer (last time was in 2000) and need a dial-up modem for today's new phone features. Can anyone recommend a good chipset? Or even a specific make and model?

Features I'm looking for in order of preference:

1. Relatively good connection speed without unwarranted disconnections. As long as the throughput speed is decent I'm OK with a 45 Kbps connection.

2. Call-waiting so I can receive incoming phone calls. I'm fine with the modem disconnecting automatically and letting any call through without delay.

3. Fax capability if available. I don't send or receive faxes very often (when will people switch to better technology!?!) so just basic fax features would be fine. If this can't be done I can always use my other modem for this purpose only.

Other features that would be nice but not necessary:

1. Modem on hold.
2. Ability to wash dishes;)

Also note:

My phone line seems to be fairly clean and noise free. I have recently wasted $14 on an Encore ENF656-EHW-INPR featuring the Intel 536EP Chipset. It auto-answers incomings calls very well but also disconnects very often for no apparent reason and the connection speed isn't all that great. Looking into troubleshooting indicates it's common with this chipset.

I use PhoneTray to answer incoming calls and they recommend a Hiro modem based on the Intel 537 Chipset. It has better features but I'm not sure about a trouble-free connection.

A brand new Toshiba Satellite A100 notebook with internal Toshiba software modem is doing all I need in a modem. It always connects over 50 Kbps and never drops the connection. It also answers incoming calls very well. Modem properties in Windows XP says Agere is the manufacturer but as of yet I can't tell what specific chipset model it is.

I am fond of modems with this chipset.
They will support callwaiting/modem-on-hold with proper drivers (you do have to watch out for Microsoft Windows Update which may udpate the V.92 driver with a V.92-disabled driver).

I don't think you can buy a modem that doesn't support fax. Some may not come with fax software, but Windows has it anyway.
www.modemsite.com/56k/fax.asp

I appreciate your help and this Modemsite forum!

Disconnecting problem - make sure to turn off Call Waiting while you're on line unless you have a v.92 modem that supports the Modem on Hold feature well.

.bh.