Do you have a crappy "winmodem" taking up a valuable PCI slot whch you need ?

[EndobioticChaos]

Just a little note about the AMR slot... using an AMR modem won't necessarily "free up" a PCI slot. Quite often the AMR slot is set up to use the same case expansion slot as one of your PCI slots. I certainly know this is true of my friend's mobo.

[MegalosSkylaki]

I believe that is true , although the CNR and the other are proprietary--one was designed by Intel--I'm not expert on exotic slots. Like I said, we tend to forget about them.

Anyway, because they are hard to find and as noted (even cheaper) than PCI modems , that still leaves the solution of the the external lo-priced Softmodem.

Dialup connections are variable throughout an internet session anyway, notwithstanding what the "you are connected at " box tells you at the beginning.

My guess-- users who are committed to cable modem would be loath to spend big-bucks on a true external DSP modem as a backup. DSL still uses the dial-up modem though doesn't it, in addition to to the DSL gizmo ?

Saving a PCI slot for $30 may be worth it to some people.
Certainly, it's a viable option if your PCI softy goes and you need another. Space for expansion plus improved ventalation --not bad.

wizofid check the USRobotics or whatever name they use nowadays Site to see if there is an upgrade that doesn't require the purchase of a new firmware. You may be able to bring it up to 33 or such at least, maybe.

DOOOG

[storm2k]

nothing is worse than making sure you buy a hardmodem (and spending the $99 for it) only to take it home and find out that it's isa and not pci! plus, linux chokes on it. doh!

[MegalosSkylaki]

P.S.MrLuigi, ,

Did you check whether there is a Q-LITY site to download the Q-LITY drivers for the Q-LITY $5.95 modem??

I noticed that little glitchoid myself but I've seen worse by way of using company feature sheet on a bulk item.

Maybe WIn has some generic drivers for it or you can buy two and fashion into $200 earings! Let me ask Rich.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG

[MegalosSkylaki]

Storm2k

Where did you see an ISA hardmodem still for sale ? What speed was it ?

I've think I've seen ISA modems for sale --infrequently--but usually as a specialy item for people who have old machine and are stuck for a PCI slot. Might as well buy a new Mobo at that price !

Anyway, although I hadn't intended it, maybe it's good this had branched out into a discussion of modems since--like power supplies--they tend to be taken for granted as far as I've seen.
Somebody now posts they link that they can eat 20% of system resources. (I've read estimates ranging from about10% to 30%)

I started reading up about modems when I found an expensive external hardmodem with a Computer I found and looked into whether I could upgrade the speed.

I started to appreciate their qualities about that time !

So I got an external softmodem for an old microATX comp., and and a $50 or so internal hardmodem (PCI) for another computer I'll rebuild.

Like anything else in Computing , it's a matter of choice--and money. Few iron rules and they'd be broken anyway !

DOOOG

I'lll look for drivers just to have - but the speed on this line is maxxed at 28.8 by the phone co. Bunch of us have stuff online in the area - and all get this despite having up to date equipement - so rather than spend money - for no speed gain - old junk works just fine until they upgrade - probalby during the next ice age -

One machine I have hits 46.6 to 48 - everytime - and downloads at it are good - but it is about 7 miles from here - and 100 yards from the phone co switching station.

thanks - wiz

[MegalosSkylaki]

wizofid ,

Is it a "soft" phone Co. or a "hard" phone Co ?

D G

[rlpos]

Diamond ISA hardware modems $12.95 http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_mu...amsexpres.html

[TOAD6147]

Diamond ISA hardware modems $12.95

I just got a couple of these in about a week ago but haven't had a chance to try one as yet.

[MegalosSkylaki]

ripos and toad

Sorry to be the bearer of badnews , but a hard card does not a "hardmodem" make. Amodem has three components: Interface, conroler , and DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

A "softmodem" --which of varying quality like any software solutions--basically has the Interface and some circuitry.

These look like "softmodems " to me and the Vendor would probably brag the hell out of them let alone not sell them for $13 if they were "hardmodems" !

Also, the voice support may be for a half-duplex--like a walkie talkie--and basically allows the recording of outbound and inbound messages--an answering machine , if you will. The "speakerphone" in the description is odd considering there is no Mic or headphone connectors in the picture.

Of course, the picture may be wring but morelikely given this is an ISA card the "speakerphone " is a mis-statement. I vaguely remember some old cards that connected throgh the sound card but morelikely this is the "answering machine" function it is alluding to. Don't count on internet telephony.

I think the the older ISA hardmodem cards were jumperable and there is no mention of this which is another desirable feature. More likely this is an ISA "softmodem" with drivers that may need upgrading.Toad, is there a mic N headset connectors on the breakout ?Are the drivers up to date for your OS ?

But you have used your 16 bit ISA slot and spared a 32 bit PCI, unless they are shared. It is a SupraMAX and the price is low. But check one out quick especiallyTOAD to return if it isn't for you. Make up a reason except the real reason of incompatibility with your needs.

The "speakerphone" in ad is misleading, especially if it lacks mic N headset Connectors i.e. failure to live up to ad if they give you flack.

Otherwise they might do you proud. I found an article and let me find the link which is cut-off on the printout.
DOOOG