Dave, at 19:36 on Nov 18 1996, you wrote to Bill Grimsley...

BG>> The most important lesson I've learned lately is NOT to 
BG>> allow myself to be gouged by greedy modem manufacturers.

JP>> Interesting comment. I take it that you're referring to USR...

BG> Not specifically, but they do appear to be pretty heavily 
BG> into some less than salubrious business practices of late, 
BG> as shown by their complete lack of action re their seemingly 
BG> never-ending succession of buggy Sportsters, as well as 
BG> their outrageous pricing on Couriers, not to mention their 
BG> decision to charge Courier owners for the x2 upgrade when 
BG> previous SDLs have been free.

DH> Um.  Bill, according to my reading of the ads, Courier 
DH> prices are rather less than half of what they were some 
DH> months ago.  

Sure, they've dropped from $999 to just $439 in the space of a little over
one year, which really only indicates that they're not into gouging as much
as they were last year, but why is the 14k4 Sportster selling for around
A$89 when the Courier uses much the same componentry, yet sells for 5X that
amount?  The actual manufacturing costs can't be all that much different,
so why the huge difference at retail level?

DH> Granted, there are cheaper.  There are also 
DH> more expensive - including locally manufactured marble 
DH> slabs.. er modems.

You only have to look at the huge difference in prices between the low-end
V.34 NetComms and their top model to realise that they're into gouging as
well.

DH> The trend doesn't outrage me at all...:-)   However, x2 is a bummer.  

Especially when it appears that Rockwell is doing another "V.FC"
on that issue, which will once again mean two competing protocols.  If that
happens, I have no doubt who'll win (and IMO it won't be USR, as people
tend to shy away from proprietary products and features these days).

DH> Considering that we will have to wait for a 64kb based x2 
DH> instead of the Yank 56k variety (if it ever happens), and 
DH> that USR can't be bothered to officially release 33.6 to the 
DH> plebian kangaroo herders, I wouldn't be holding my breath 
DH> until the chance to become offended at the cost of x2 comes to Oz.

Agreed.  Great modems, pity about the company.

Regards, Bill

--- MsgedSQ/2 3.50