The modem market is abuzz these days, thanks to a new standard
passed by the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva in
February. The V.90 standard allows Internet users to fully
capitalize on new 56 KBps technology.
Although 56 KBps modems have been around since 1997, users
previously had to choose between two proprietary technologies: X2
from US Robotics (now 3Com) and K56flex from Rockwell and Lucent.
Because there was no standard, modems of different types sometimes
had difficulty communicating. The new V.90 standard enables modems
compliant with the standard to interact with each other.
The 56 KBps technology allows the connections to begin as analog
and then be converted to digital without being converted back to
analog, as 33.6 KBps modems have to. By avoiding one of the
conversions, these modems can download at speeds of up to 56,000
bits per second.
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Unfortunately, the key words are "up to." Several
factors can slow your transmission rate, including telephone line
conditions, your distance from your local phone company building
and your distance from your ISP. Thus, 56 KBps is something of a
misnomer.
Despite the speed bumps, however, 56 KBps modems are faster and
not much more expensive than their 33.6 KBps predecessors. In
addition, they're loaded with more features than ever, so
don't be afraid to invest in an upgrade. You'll probably
have to eventually, so why not do it now?
All the modems featured here incorporate the V.90 standard or
allow you to download the code from their manufacturers' Web
sites.
One more choice: Do you want an internal or external modem? If
you plan to use the same modem for several computers, or if you
have a fear of installation, then an external model will work for
you. Internal modems are less expensive, however, and also mean one
less piece of equipment to clutter up your desktop. Whichever type
you choose, be sure to ask about the rebates many companies are now
offering to stay competitive.
Model: Cardinal Connecta Internal 56K Data/Fax Modem
(internal)
Phone/Web site: (770) 840-2157, http://www.cardtech.com
Manufacturer's list price: $150
Features: port selection jumpers; Windows 95 software, including
Internet Solutions CD-ROM with InterGo; plug and play
Warranty: five years
The Connecta comes with a smorgasbord of Windows software,
including InterGo, a software application that combines useful
features such as a browser, e-mail, a news reader and telnet, which
allows remote access of a computer network. ViruCide software is
also included to keep your system bug-free. The Connecta's
speed and size have been compared to 3Com's Sportster 56K, a
faster, more expensive modem. The port selection jumpers allow you
to install the modem in older systems.
Model: Global Village Communication TelePort 56/x2 Fax/Modem
(external)
Phone/Web site: (800) 736-4821, http://www.globalvillage.com
Manufacturer's list price: $119
Features: Global
Transfer Light and FaxWorks fax/data software, plug and play, flash
ROM, PC- or Mac-compatible
Warranty: five years
The TelePort is a rather basic model, lacking high-end features
such as voice mail and caller ID, and even more common ones, such
as distinctive ring. But its quick download rate and low price make
this an attractive modem if you don't need all the fancy
extras. The price is great for an external modem, and the company
is one of the few to market equally to Macintosh and PC users.
Model: Multi-Tech MultiModem 5600ZDXV (external)
Phone/Web site: (800) 328-9717, http://www.multitech.com
Manufacturer's list price: $269
Features: Windows 95-based datacomm and fax software, plug and
play, flash ROM, voice mail, caller ID reporting, four-number
storage for automatic dialing, redial
Warranty: 10 years
Multi-Tech's ZDXV offers generous warranties, simple
upgrades and all the extras. Built for the mainstream PC or Mac
user, the 5600 fits in the palm of your hand and has plenty of
status lights to let you know what it's doing--even lights that
indicate whether you're connected at 56 KBps or standard analog
speeds. The MultiModem has an internal speaker, and you can plug in
external speakers and a microphone if you want to turn it into an
answering machine or speakerphone. Installation is easy, and
upgrades are available from Multi-Tech's Web site.
Model: NewCom 56Kifx(C) Data/Fax Modem (internal)
Phone/Web site: (818) 597-3200, http://www.newcominc.com
Manufacturer's list price: $99
Features: caller ID, plug and play, voice mail, remote message
retrieval, communications software
Warranty: five years
Low price and easily accessible upgrades are the main
attractions of NewCom's 56Kifx(C) model. It comes with most of
the extras the others have, including voice mail and caller ID. The
modem's architecture supports advanced features such as V.80
for videoconferencing, speakerphone and answering machine
capabilities. All versions include modular phone cable,
communications software and 15 free hours on AOL. And did we
mention the low price?
Model: Shark Multimedia Leopard 56K (internal)
Phone/Web site: (800) 800-3321, http://www.sharkmm.com
Manufacturer's list price: $139
Features: Shark DialTone, Windows 95 software, distinctive ring,
voice mail, speakerphone, microphone, caller ID
Warranty: three years
Shark proves modems aren't just for Internet access. The
Leopard is loaded with neat stuff, such as the speakerphone that
supports hands-free or handset operation, and the fax features,
including automatic fax forward, pager notification, cover sheet
customization, group faxing and fax scheduling. It also comes with
many voice mail functions, including multiple boxes with password
protection for each, automatic paging, voice/data/fax
distinguishing, speed dial and remote voice mail access. Easy
installation completes the picture.
Model: Zoom FaxModem 56K (internal)
Phone/Web site: (800) 631-3116, http://www.zoomtel.com
Manufacturer's list price: $159
Features: 16-bit ISA card, WinFax Lite and COMit fax/data software,
flash ROM, plug and play
Warranty: seven years
This no-frills internal modem automatically connects to both
V.90 and K56flex technology (in case your ISP hasn't upgraded
yet). In fact, Zoom was one of the first manufacturers to offer
modems with the V.90 standard. The 56 KBps model is
videophone-ready and can plug and play with Windows 95. A standout
feature is the ZoomGuard lightning protection (Zoom says lightning
is the number-one cause of modem failures). This modem also boasts
distinctive ring, tone detection, voice mail (a sound card is
required), and flash memory for upgrades. Installation can be
tricky, but Zoom offers extensive customer service hours.