CompuServe Thread

#Good buy in 9600 modems

5 messages in this thread
#116464From: Tom EshelmanSep 29, 1993 9:34 PM
I must buy another modem, and I may as well go for a 9600 baud unit and avoid 'planned obsolescence'. I am not interested in FAX capabilities at all. May I have some recommendations as to good 9600 baud modems relative to price, compatibility and ease of set-up? Also, where can I find such at a good price.?
#116541From: Erik FlomSep 30, 1993 11:46 AM
I think you'll be hard pressed to find a 9600 baud modem _without_ FAX capability. I got the Supra 14.4 FAX/Modem a few months ago for just under $300, and it included software for FAXing on the Amiga. (It's also compatible with IBM FAX software too.) I heard Practical Peripherals is offering some kind of trade-in where you can get one for just about $200 – but it comes with Mac or DOS s/w, no Amiga support. Good Luck, Erik Flom
#116587From: Michael GerardSep 30, 1993 9:03 PM
Tom, Direct Micro (GO DM) is offering a good deal on a Practical Peripherals 9600 baud fax-modem… under $200 with trade-in. I use a PPI modem, and have been VERY pleased with the quality and the support (they have a forum here on CIS (GO PPIFORUM).
#117037From: Jim SakladOct 4, 1993 10:12 PM
I would like to second Michael Gerard's suggestion: Practical Peripherals Inc. 1) on-line support on CompuServe (GO PPIForum) 2) tech-support line open to 10:45 PM _Pacific_time_ 3) nearly-unconditional LIFETIME warranty 4) free (even no shipping charge) EPROM upgrades when and if a bug-fix happens 5) VERY good products — I had a PM9600SA, and now have a PM14400FXSA. The 2 stand-alone 14400 bps products – PM14400FXSA and PM14400FXMT – are both excellent. The FXSA is based on the VERY well thought of ATT chipset, and has an LCD display that is extremely useful; the FXMT is based on the Rockwell chip set (but uses the same Motorola MC 68302 processor the FXSA uses) and hence is Caller-ID-capable, which the FXSA is not. I have seen the PM14400FXMT in Computer City for around $210.
#116747From: Peter CookeOct 2, 1993 1:35 PM
I have been using a Zoom VFX V.32bis modem for the last two months and have not had a single problem (connection or otherwise) with it. Actually, a small card with it requested that one dial a high-speed line first thing with it after hooking it up before setting it up. They say "It may not connect." and they're right, this has happened with 3 other friends, all who have purchased the same external model, but never again. I have heard lots of bad things about the Zoom line, but I think this is a bunch of bad memories from the late-80s, when Zoom purchased a bunch of bad chipsets from Rockwell (scream at Rockwell, folks!). As the previous messages indicate, Rockwell has added facsimile capabilities to all of their chipsets, and the issue is kind of like cars and airbags these days, you are going to get one wether you want it or not. One of the pluses for tthe VFX series is their most-comprehensive series of indicator lights (15!), you'll be able to diagnose any problem or connect state instantly. I've seen street prices here in Denver at >$200, if you've got a Best Buy in your area, check them out. The USRobots have become reasonable in price, but their "slashing prices 40%" sends the message to me: "We've been soaking you for so long, we'll price our modems right this time." In any case, it's probably better to check out the prices of of 14.4s, they're not much more than 96s. Thank you for your time. Peter