If you have to use a modem, this might be your best choice
Written: May 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Hardware Modem, Quality manufacturer, lots of features
Cons: Slow compared to broadband
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| stevelarrison's Full Review: Zoom ComStar 56K 2818 Analog Modem (2818-00) |
OK, I know. Broadband is coming. Pretty soon the whole world will be on ultra fast DSL, cable, and wireless connections. But today, many people (including myself until next month) are dependant upon modems to access the internet. As long as people are going to be dependant upon modems, they might as well pick the right one for their needs. A quick check at pricewatch.com shows that the Dualmode Comstar modem starts at $94 plus shipping.
$94!! I have seen 56.6k modems going for under $20, is it a ripoff?
To understand the answer to that question, you need to understand something about the hardware behind modems. For home users, there are two types of (telephone) modems, hardware modems, and Winmodems. If you want to pick the right modem for your needs, you need to understand the difference between the two types of modems.
Let's start with Winmodems. As their name implies, Winmodems use Windows to function. What exactly does that mean? Well, if you look at the circuitry that is necessary for modems to communicate, Winmodems are missing a few parts. Instead of relying on hardware to handle all communications tasks, Winmodems use functionality built into Microsoft Windows to replace functionality normally provided by hardware. One way to tell that a Winmodem is a Winmodem is from the box. If the minimum PC requirements are a Pentium 133 or higher, it is probably a Winmodem. If the minimum requirements are a 486 66 or higher, it is a hardware modem.
As I am sure you have probably figured out by now, hardware modems are enitrely dependent on circuitry in the modem for all communications tasks.
So, that was interesting, but which is better
The answer to that question is dependant upon how you define better. You may have notice that the processor requirements for a hardware modem are lower than for a Winmodem. The reason behind this is simple, if Windows is replacing hardware functionality, it takes CPU cycles to do that. Hence the increased processor requirements. Owners of older systems may be interested in a hardware modem instead of a software based Winmodem. Of course, the reason why everyone shouldn't automatically look for a hardware modem is simple, they cost significantly more than Winmodems.
So, hardware modems use less CPU power, will I be able to download or surf faster?
It is highly unlikely. Assuming a level playing field(i.e. all 56.6k modems), the majority of the difference between download speeds at various locations can be explained by (in ranking order): The quality of your phone line at home 2) The quality of your ISP (real debate on the order there, this could be #1 in extreme situations) 3) The quality of your telephone company 4) Your modem. If you have an ancient system, you may gain some speed with a hardware modem, otherwise, don't expect to see much of a difference.
Why else would I spend more for a hardware modem?
Well, there is one area of performance that a hardware modem can mop the floor over a Winmodem in (all else being equal). Ping times. Hardware modems have significantly lower PING times. This is the main determinant of online gaming performance. You can actually play Quake III with a modem on slower servers and not be frag bate.
In addition, users of Windows NT, Linux, or Beos will be interested in hardware modems so that they can access the web outside of Windows 9x.
So, what does this modem have?
As you probably have figured out by now, the Comstar is a hardware modem. In addition to being hardware based, it comes with a host of features, and has the following spec:
Supports both V.90 and K56flex for up to 56,000 bps data downloads
14,400 bps Group 3, Class 1 fax
Plug and Play and Windows NT compatible (jumper-selectable)
Controller and DSP upgradeable with Flash memory
Distinctive Ring/Caller ID Support
Full-duplex speakerphone
Digital answering machine
Voice Mail plus voice and sound storage and playback (requires soundcard)
V.80, H.323
The big deal is the compatibility with NT. Although the spec on the website I copied this from does not mention Linux, this modem IS Linux compatible as well. The Voice mail, digital answering machine, and speakerphone are nice features, but you COULD acquire them separately should you choose not to purchase this modem.
In addition to being a full-featured, high performance (in its' genre anyway) modem, I can personally attest to the quality of Zoom modems. The majority of the modems I have purchased since 1990 have been Zooms. The fact that the Comstar is also available in an internal format THAT IS ACTUALLY HARDWARE BASED is a very nice feature. Most internal modems ( an all cheap internal modems ) are Winmodems. Not needing an external case and power supply can be attractive in some situations.
Recommended:
Yes
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stevelarrison
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Member: Steve Larrison
Location: Scottsdale, Az. USA
Reviews written: 171
Trusted by: 198 members
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Beer, the answer to, and the cause of all life's problems.
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