cimeti@nucsrl.UUCP (Israel Cimet) (11/21/87)
I am looking for a new 1200 bps modem. I have reviewed the Hayes, USRobotics, Datatronics, Migent, and Mercury modems. It seems that the best one (in my price range (<=200)) is the Mercury. Any other recommendations or suggestions??. Thanks in advance!. ---------------------------------------- I. Arieh Cimet Northwestern University
gillies@uiucdcsp.cs.uiuc.edu (11/23/87)
Earlier this year PC Magazine reviewed about 50 modems. Nearly all of
them were 100% Hayes compatible. Go to the library and look at the
report. They came to a startling conclusion:
If you want a high-performance (low noise tolerance) 1200 baud modem,
buy a 2400 baud modem. Even the cheapest 2400 baud modem gave
outstanding 1200-baud service (challending best 1200 baud-only modem).
Today many 2400 baud no-name modems sell for < $200. Also (like CD
players) most cheap modems are based on THE SAME chip set (laser pickup
stylus) from just a few manufacturers like Intel (Sony or Phillips).
The only difference in transmission capability may arise from
factory-tuning of the modem. There could be a difference in features,
however. At least one cheap brand works well at 2400 baud ("practical
peripherals"), says a friend of mine.
Don Gillies {ihnp4!uiucdcs!gillies} U of Illinois
{gillies@p.cs.uiuc.edu}jbm652@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (11/24/87)
You might want to consider looking for a 2400 baud modem. I bought my Practical Peripherals PM2400SA modem for just under 200 dollars, although I've seen an ad somewhere for a 2400 baud modem that costs less. Although some people have said bad things about Practical Peripherals modems, mine seems to work fine for me. The major disadvantage is that it doesn't support modes such as 8N2 and 8K1 (it only supports the modes which are supported by Hayes modems). --------- John Melby student, University of Illinois uxa.cso.uiuc.edu \ uiucuxc!uiucuxa -- !jbm652 (until the end of this semester) 3b2g.cs.uiuc.edu -- !jm235 / uiucuxc!3b2g ----- / uiuc.edu --------- !melby \ uiucuxc!uiucuxf -- !jbm??? (starting next semester) uxf.cso.uiuc.edu / ----------
howard@cpocd2.UUCP (Howard A. Landman) (11/25/87)
In article <76000049@uiucdcsp> gillies@uiucdcsp.cs.uiuc.edu writes: >If you want a high-performance (low noise tolerance) 1200 baud modem, >buy a 2400 baud modem. Even the cheapest 2400 baud modem gave >outstanding 1200-baud service (challending best 1200 baud-only modem). Well, I was having massive problems with my Apple Modem 1200 connected to my Mac+, and none at all with a BlackBox 2400 baud modem hooked to a DEC VT220 on the same desk. I finally bought a cable to connect the BB modem to the Mac, and I haven't seen one garbage character in weeks (as opposed to 5 or so per minute with the Apple modem) running at 1200 baud. I took the VT220 back to work. Anyone want to buy an Apple modem? It might work OK with cleaner phone lines, or at a lower speed. -- Howard A. Landman {oliveb,hplabs}!intelca!mipos3!cpocd2!howard howard%cpocd2.intel.com@RELAY.CS.NET "Press here"
berger@clio.las.uiuc.edu (11/26/87)
There's some truth to that: The cheap modems may perform similarly.
But commercial grade modems (NEC, et. al.) which cost more, DO perform
better. They typically have better filters, better shielding, better
noise resistance, and better equalization for a wide variety of phone
line characteristics. Don't get the impression from what Don said
that ALL modems are alike.
Mike Berger
Center for Advanced Study
University of Illinois
berger@clio.las.uiuc.edu
{ihnp4 | convex | pur-ee}!uiucuxc!clio!berger