S> chip are like $10, etc.  In the case of the older metal case OPTIMA
ML> HS> 288's, there's no way to upgrade the old units.  [...]
ML> HS> It is actually a good deal, but if you want to see a better deal,
ML> HS> see the 56K upgrade options we now have announced.  [...]
ML> HS> Trade up from your Hayes 288 to a Hayes 56k for 89 bucks (plus $15
ML> HS> shipping & handling).  Buy a new Hayes OPTIMA or ACCURA 33.6
ML> HS> between 2/1/97 and 4/15/97 and get an upgrade to 56K for free.
ML>Thanks for this info, Michael.  Will the 56k handle standard V34+ (33k6) 
and
ML>fax, etc as well?  Is it part of the Optima series or the Accura series?  
Why
ML>so inexpensive?  (Not to imply that a high price automatically means 
better.)
ML> HS> Well...you can get a brand new OPTIMA 33.6 external Business modem
ML> HS> through our sysop program for $199.00  You can get one of these and
ML> HS> keep your current OPTIMA as a backup, [...]
ML>This is more encouraging.  Browsed around the Hayes BBS and didn't find 
mention
ML>of this in any of the bulletins... (Or at least, it wasn't obvious.)
ML> HS> So, for $199 you can get a Hayes 33.6 top of the line Business
ML> HS> Modem, through our sysop program and upgrade it for free to 56K. 
ML> HS> Sounds like a good deal to me.
ML>It does.  I will keep this under consideration, and thanks again for a 
better
ML>view on this. 
Marc,
    The 56K modems will support fax and will be backwards compatible
with the old ITU-T standards (V.34 (33.6K), V.32Bis, etc. etc.).  As for
whether you get OPTIMA or ACCURA, specific details have not yet been
announced, but basically it depends on what you trade in as to what you
get back.  The ISP/Sysop program info on our BBS is under the main menu
option 5 (Special Programs).
    As for the low price on 56K upgrades, it's a very competitive game
right now and it's in our best interests to get Hayes 56K units in as
many hands as possible.
    Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Michael -- Hayes Online Services
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