CompuServe Messages

Shane: I have a 14.4K modem on an 25 mhz, '030-equipped A2000 with WB 2.1 running an 8-color Workbench, and am easily able to multitask, whether I'm downloaded to a ram disk or to hard disk. I've had transfer rates as high as 1,700 cps using a large serial port buffer and hardware error correction. I've even been known to play a re-entrant game while downloading, or work in Final Writer. The amount of free ram you have is, of course, a factor. GVP boards apparently are funny at tasks like this. I have heard there are patches or kludges to solve that problem if you have it. I just helped a friend with a brand new 486 set up his Windows system for modem use, and believe me, you are giving away nothing to your PC friends when it comes to modeming. Many, many problems with hardware/software conflicts. Remember, too, that with the 68000 you're running an Amiga that has perhaps the processing power of a fast 286 or slow 386. Windows won't run well at all on those level machines, much less let you multitask while downloading. You probably could go to 9600 bps reliably on your 68000 machine and still multitask some things but doing same with 14.4K is beyond its means.