Brenton, at 13:18 on May 19 1996, you wrote to Bill Grimsley...

BG> I visited the PC show yesterday, and what an eye-opener!  The low-end
BG> Banksia V.34 is a Rockwell, but their two high-end models are both
BG> rebadges (Motorola Lifestyle V.34, and the Microcom Deskporte Fast+
BG> at $1097).

BV> Sure, that's the problem we have here. Nobody understands what
BV> really needs to happen. All they can do is use morons like Paul who
BV> think they can learn it all from the specs. 

Or trial and error.  The specs would be fine if everybody followed them to
the letter, including the optional bits.  So far though, they apparently
don't.

BV> Then they give these idiots chipsets like the Rockwell stuff and let them 
BV> loose. Rockwell provide *sample* code, but these idiots can't recognise the 
BV> distinction between something which is meant as a guideline and something 
BV> which is meant for productions.

Yep.  In fact, some disgruntled users claimed that John Rich's early
Diamond modems (Taiwanese no-names) were using the sample code with nothing
changed apart from the ID string.  No proof, but it wouldn't surprise me.

BV> All the old engineers have left and these morons are left to sort it out 
BV> for themselves. I reckon you'll start to see the same sort of stuff occur 
BV> in other areas within the next few years.

I think you'll find it's already happening now.  :(

BV> I've supplied a couple of dozen Banksia's to people who use them for
BV> all sorts of things. In short, I've found them to be as simple and
BV> easy to use as the 14k4 Sportshoes we had. 

Yeah, the 14k4 Sporties were an incredibly fine little modem.  Arguably the
most reliable modem available at the time too.

BV> But then again, what would I know. I don't want to spend weeks fucking 
BV> around with them analyzing every statistic.

Some do though.  :)

BV> I just want to put them in, leave them alone and let them work.

Don't buy any NetComms or Vipers then.

BV> Are you a masochist as well as an idiot ? Just buy a Banksia. They work.

BG> So do USRs, and Microcoms, and Motorolas, and AT&Ts, and Hayes...

BV> Sure, I wouldn't have any reservation in buying a USR or Microcom.

The low-end models from these people could be a bit better though...

BV> I'd think twice about the Motorola, AT&T or Hayes though. 

Their high-end stuff is extremely good.

BV> Some Hayes models have been junk and I haven't had enough experience with 
BV> the Motorola or AT&T to pass judgement.

Neither have I (apart from a fairly inyensive couple of months last year),
but the low-end models from Hayes and Motorola (the Accura and Lifestyle)
could have been much better, I must agree.  Dunno about the AT&T, as
I've never seen one here, so they may not even be available in Austel
flavours.

Regards, Bill

--- Msgedsq/2 3.20