AN EASY INSTALL & UNBELIEVABLE RELIABILITY
Written: May 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy install, reliable, lifetime warranty, excellent tech support
Cons: price is a little high
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| DENGNY's Full Review: 3Com U.S. Robotics Faxmodem 56K Analog Modem (81-0... |
Not too long ago, you could choose a modem based on a couple of features, one of which was speed. If you decided to purchase 56k rather than a 33.6 kbs modem, you then had to decide on whether to go for K56Flex or X2. Today, it's very different. There's many manufacturers out there with a lot of different modems which all seem to have the same major features (ie. all are fax, 56k, and v.90 compatible.)
Although relatively expensive compared to other modems, this one is an excellent choice for home and business uses. Here's why...
First, installation...following 3Com's instructions, you can have this modem dialing away in about 10 minutes. You'll need to purchase a modem cable, so make sure you know whether the available serial port on your computer is 25 pins or 9 pins (the connector on the back of the modem is 25 pin female.) Once everything is connected and power to the modem is on, Windows 95/98 will immediately recognize the new device when you turn on your computer. You then begin the simple process of installing the drivers.
Second, included software...the "CONNECTIONS" CD which is included with the modem has the following software:
Online Users Guide
Netscape Communicator
Nine Internet Service Providers
Three Communications/Faxing
Eight Utility Programs
Five "Office Productivity" Programs
Five "Home/Entertainment" Programs
Three Telephony/Video Programs
To install any of the above programs, you just need to pick & choose what you want. Please note that some of the programs are full versions, while others are "Lite" or "Trial" versions.
Third, reliability...I've used modems from other companies such as Zoom and Intel and have found that U.S. Robotics/3Com has the best performance, with little or no dropped connections due to line conditions. Just to give you an idea of how reliable these modems are, in my office I have a U.S. Robotics 28,800 Sportster Faxmodem, 33.6 Sportster Faxmodem, 56k x2 Faxmodem, and this one. Although I'm currently using the one this review is all about, the others still work fine (I keep them around as spares.)
Some other notable features are the lifetime limited replacement warranty, excellent tech support, and ease of use. Be assured that once you have this modem installed, there will be very little for you to do other than turn it on. 3Com makes quality products that last a very long time.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
DENGNY
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Dennis G
Location: Morris County, NJ
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 38 members
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