The Courier Business Modem: The Best 56K Out There
Written: Nov 25 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: performance, reliability
Cons: price
|
|
|
| csprague's Full Review: 3Com U.S. Robotics Faxmodem 56K Analog Modem (81-0... |
This is a review for the USR Courier External 56K. I couldn't find the category for it, so I'll put it in with the regular old USR 56Ks.
The Courier is a beefed-up Sportster modem. It has every feature you could ever ask of a modem. A list of modem commands is printed on the back. 12 status lights. Think of a feature-it's got it.
Features
(from the USR web site)
V.Everything™ Interoperability (Standards based and defacto standards based) means compatibility with virtually any other modem sold in the market today. Courier™ supports the widest set of modem protocols in the industry: V.90, x2, V.34 (28.8kbps and optional speeds of 31.2 and 33.6kbps), V.FC (28.8kbps), V.32 turbo (19.2kbps), as well as V.32bis, V.32, and other ITU-T standards down to 300bps.
ITU V.90 56Kbps & x2 56Kbps
ITU Standard V.90 56Kbps downloads with backwards compatibility for x2 56Kbps.
Remote Configuration and Manageability
Modems can be remotely configured and managed saving travel time and money for network managers.
Dial security
Provides secure access to Corporate networks by preventing unauthorized access through password and dialback measures.
Carrier Loss Redial
A type of ‘auto-response’ feature. The modem automatically redials the last number it was connected to when loss of carrier occurs. Great for unattended data transfer applications.
Flash ROM Based modem
New features, functionality and upgrades are performed with a simple phone call. Saving time, money and travel expenses.
Global Homologation
Courier is approved worldwide, providing a global solution for multinational corporations.
Synchronous Data Transfer, V.25 bis dialing
Courier provides connectivity for IBM SNA and legacy mainframe/terminal based applications.
2-Wire Leased Line
In one product, dial and leased line applications are supported.
Call Selection
Data and Fax calls are distinguished and answered appropriately.
Distinctive Ring
Provides a way to create a complete home, telecommuting office without added wiring to install multiple telephone lines.
Caller ID
Provides a way to screen and log calls as well as a simple form of security.
US Robotics QuickConnect
Save time when Courier technology is present at both ends of the connection. USRobotics QuickConnect technology completes the connection and begins transmission within seven seconds. Other modems may take up to 25 seconds to complete.
Adaptive Speed Leveling
Independently adjusts incoming and outgoing channels to line conditions to ensure the best performance. Transmission slows for noisy lines, speeds up when line conditions clear. Assures highest possible overall throughput on each transmission when Courier modem technology is present at both ends.
Reliability
It's like a luxury car. Better built than the average modem. I've never heard of anyone having a problem with one.
Connections
My parents have a 56K Winmodem in their computer and my Courier always connects faster than theirs. 'Nuff said. In games and stuff it really makes a difference. You don't want your already straining CPU to have to deal with modem processing as well. The external modem works great.
Compatibility
The Courier is compatible with DOS, every flavor of Windows (3.1, 95, 98, NT, 2000), Linux, BSD...it's a hardware modem, plus it's US Robotics, the biggest modem company in the business, so you can bet it's always in the compatibility list.
Price
These go for around $100 on eBay. The price may or may not be worth it. The average person can usually do with a Winmodem, but hardcore gamers will want the performance that this modem can provide. Plus if you're running anything other than Windows, you will need a full-chipset modem like this one.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
csprague
|
|
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 13 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.