> I am in the market for one of those devices that allow sharing a
 > phone, fax,
 > and modem.  I have checked Consumer Reports and every other forum I
 > can think
 > of, but can't seem to find any info as far as desirable qualities,
 > manufacturers, etc.
 > Any input as to good brands, bad brands, and general advice as well
 > as pointers to good references will be greatly appreciated.
Since you've posted this here in the Home/Office echo, I'll assume that you 
want to share a single phone line for business purposes, ie. running a 
business from your home.  I strongly recommend not doing it - it is very 
"unprofessional" and may give your clients a bad impression.  This is because 
the devices you seek must answer the phone, determine whether the call is 
voice, fax or modem, then route the call to the proper device. Whenever a 
voice call comes in, there is a delay while the device does its thing, and 
the caller hears noises (beeps and such) during the process. There is also 
the problem of you (or a family member) intercepting an incoming fax or modem 
call, which is inconvenient and annoying.
If you insist on this option, however, you need a "com-share" device that is 
sold by CompUSA, Computer City, and many office supply outlets like Staples, 
Office Depot, etc.
The better alternative is to subscribe to "distinctive ring" or 
"ident-a-ring" service through your local phone company.  Typically, this is 
a $5 or $6 per month charge for an additional phone number assigned to your 
current physical phone line.  Up to three numbers can be assigned to a given 
line, and each rings differently, thus enabling you to answer the phone 
differently or with a different device.  Thus, one line can be your personal 
voice line, another a "business" line, and a third a fax line.
Many of the new fax machines (except the bottom of the line models) have 
distinctive ring detection built in, so you don't even need any additional 
equipment to make use of this service.  However, if you have an older fax 
machine which does not support distinctive ring, or you want to also hook up 
a modem, then you need a device called a "ring director" to interpret the 
ring pattern and route the call to the proper device.  I have one made by 
ASAP, which is sold only through Graybar Electric outlets nation wide. It 
cost me $60.
In summary, either method will use a single physical phone line.  One method 
will definitely require an additional device, the second MAY require an 
additional device depending upon your needs.  The distinctive ring service is 
more costly, but it also is more professional and relieves you of some 
inconvenience.
If you want some additional references, locate a copy of Home/Office 
Computing.  Several ring directors are advertised in the back each month.
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