jib@prism.TMC.COM (06/04/88)
Followup on Modems, DataLink 2400, in particular
I just thought I'd respond to some of the comments that have resulted from
my last posting on the DataLink 2400.
(1) Availability: I spoke to Applied Engineering and it should be
appearing at dealers in early July (give or take... does anyone ever ship
when they say they will? :-)
(2) Internal vs. external: This is certainly a matter of taste among other
things, but certain factors to consider: (a) the DataLink 2400 emulates a
true super serial card -- hence software that does not know about the GS
comm port can run with it. [this can be important; for example, I bank by
modem and my IIe software runs on a GS only with an internal modem. The
bank (Citibank - Direct Access) has NO plans yet for a GS version of the
software, or even GS modifications.] (b) the original poster said he was
replacing an old 300 baud modem -- this may well have been a Hayes
micromodem II (or IIe) since they were very common and did not require a
super serial card. If he goes with an internal he does not have to buy a
card -- otherwise he will have to. (c) an internal does not take up more
desk space (d) an internal does not physically plug into the comm port --
I can switch to an Apple midi adaptor via the control panel, rather than
having to switch cables.
(On the other hand, as other posters have pointed out, an external modem
can be switched to other machines, have status lights, and may be found
cheap since they are not Apple II specific. One poster mentioned speaker,
but the Datalink and most internal modems DO have a monitor speaker)
Cost: Suggested LIST will be $239. The DataLink 1200 had a suggested
list of $219 and can be found for $170 more or less. I expect to be able
to buy a DataLink for under $200 including (basic) communications software.
(And there is comm software in ROM, too, although it may be very basic).
Other minor details: 5 year warranty, built-in diagnostics, extra long
phone cord, two phone jacks, etc...
You CAN find a cheaper 2400 baud modem, but this strikes me as a
reasonable value from a reputable manufacturer.
DISCLAIMER: Despite the positive tone of the note, I DO NOT have any
connection with AE -- other than thinking they develop innovative Apple
hardware ;-)
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Jim Block {cca, ihnp4!inmet, mit-eddie, wjh12, datacube} !mirror!prism!jib
Matthew Bender Inc, 11 Penn Plaza, NY, NY 10001 (212) 216-8018