-=> Quoting Wayne Chirnside to Dan Clough <=-
 DC> > hi, i'm once again trolling for opinions or information based on
 DC> > experience with the new crop of modems offered for sale.
 DC> > have heard many opinions that the new unproven 56k technology
 DC> > is more a marketing ploy than something really practical at this
 DC> > time. yet, i'm still contemplating purchasing a new modem at the
 
 DC>Get the USR Sportster, or the USR Courier if you can afford it.  I've 
een
 DC>using both for several years, and wouldn't use any other brand.
 WC> thanx for the input Dan, but i have excluded U.S.R. based on how it
 WC> treats the consumers that purchase their products as well as several
 WC> shortcomings i've seen enumerated by owners of even the high end
 WC> couriers.
Here my two cents worth... Modems in my opinion can be compared to
cars. Some cars are very fast and exotic like Ferrari. Some are simply
things to transport people from point "A" to point "B" like a chevy geo.
On one hand you have a what many people will say is the "best" car there
is, it is usually the most "expensive" one. This is similar to the USR
Courier, people say it's the best, ect. And it is the best if you can
get it configured, and have anyone using x2 servers to call. If you are
someone that can "work on your own Ferrari" then you will have no
complaints from your FlashRom upgradable modem.
On the other hand if you live in an area that has speed limits 60-70
miles an hour a Ferrari is not going to get you there any faster than a
GEO (But it will be much more exciting). That is to say that if you
really want 56k technology make sure you have a 56k server to call or
your still going the same speed as a 33.6k.
The very least expensive 33.6k modems start at $70-$80, you can get
three of these for the price of the most expensive ones, four if it is
56k.
If you still have a 14.4k modem go to a chain store and get there
cheapest 33.6k modem. If it won't work, take it back and get the next
best buy, ect. 33.6k is so much faster than 14.4k you will forget all
about 56k for at least a couple of weeks. :)
For me, I'm sticking with my 33.6k for at least an other 6 months. By
then maybe there will be a 56k standard and I will be able to make an
intelligent choice. Also around the corner coming up the pipes are ASDL
standard, that's supposed to give digital performance on analog lines.
And cable modems that basically are like having an ethernet connection to
the internet, that should be in my area in the next year. If any of
these things come to pass I can see 56k drop in price by $100.
Tony
... A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation.
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