AS>        I will be buying a 33.6 modem shortly to replace my much
AS>     used 14.4 so I thought I would ask a few opinions!!

AS>       I will be using Fax and Data only, I have no use for "voice"
AS>     modems.I have an internal modem at the moment but thought
AS>     I would go external this time.

At the moment, my recommendation (with personal cash on the line) is the
Spirit Dragon, for this class of operation.  Definitely not the cheapest
around, but VERY definitely one of the top performers and IMHO value for
money.

AS>       The modem that has actually caught my attention is the
AS>      Netcomm Roadster. It apparently has a good fax "switching"
AS>      capability, good performance, and good backup.

IMNSHO, all three of those points are not only debatable, but lost before
the debate starts.  Both fax performance and general line performance have
been discussed here - the results were not favorable.  Netcomm's backup has
been legendary for several years now.  (Legends like trolls, vampires, dank
tarns, et al...:-)   Netcomm service has been gastly - reported here very
often.  I literally would not keep a Roadster as a gift - and would have
attacks of conscience on reselling it.  No sale, for my evaluation.

The top of the line Netcomm is said to have finally been debugged.  For the
lowball end, this is not so on the observed complaint base.  Don't buy it.

Hang around here a while, and keep asking about Netcomm - especially from
those who now have/used to have one or more. (5 here, over the good years. 
One utter turkey from the bad time - and I haven't been the Lone Ranger.)

AS>        Tempting also was the Creative Labs Modem Blaster that
AS>      Harvey Norman is selling for $170 now.

This one must admit _is_ tempting.  The Dragon is in the $250 bracket.  I
_think_ there's increased performance, and it's worth it.  Personal opinion
alert...  your mileage may differ, your value of $80 may differ.

AS>          Any thoughts??

Lots 'n lots.  Hope some of 'em are useful.

Regards,
Dave Hatch.

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