Stu.Turk@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Stu Turk) (05/15/91)
Index Number: 15642
RS> and a Hayes compatible modem. There ARE Baudot modems available
RS> to use on a PC that WILL connect with TDD machines. In fact,
RS> there are dual modems -- modems that can work both ASCII type
RS> data paths and also work BAUDOT for TDD machines that don't have
RS> the dual (ASCII/Baudot) capability already mentioned.
You are, of course, correct in saying that there are dual ASCII/Baudot
modems available. Many of us, however, feel that, unless the person using them
has a constant need to connect with a Baudot TDD (such as running a TDD capable
BBS) the cost of the dual modems cannot be justified, especially when you
consider that they only support slow ASCII speeds. For low volume use, a
low-end $175.00 TDD would be a better choice than a $350.00 dual modem.
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Internet: Stu.Turk@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.orgRichard.Shima@p10.f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Richard Shima) (05/15/91)
Index Number: 15653
Hi there Stu,
Hope the breathing is easier there in Pittsburgh. Here I've had a time; must be that the humidity is pretty high.
ST> You are, of course, correct in saying that there are
ST> dual ASCII/Baudot modems available. Many of us, however,
ST> feel that, unless the person using them has a constant
ST> need to connect with a Baudot TDD (such as running a TDD
ST> capable BBS) the cost of the dual modems cannot be
ST> justified, especially when you consider that they only
ST> support slow ASCII speeds. For low volume use, a low-end
ST> $175.00 TDD would be a better choice than a $350.00 dual modem.
No argument there, Stu -- pretty good general logic. The only
reason I mentioned it was to bring out all of the possibilities; so
many seem to find out about this and that long after thinking they
had been told of all of the possibilities.
Thinking about possibilities, Stu, have you heard of anyone that's
tried the COMPACT "pocket" portable TDD? I've been wondering just
what satisfaction there is with this unit. I also ran across
another new portable, Trident Technologies P.C.T. Pocket Portable
but don't know of any reviews and haven't heard of anyone using it
yet.
It looks to me like it will still be a long time before Baudot gets
phased out in favor of ASCII, however, there are pockets of
crusaders here and there that are effective. At least we're
finally seing the ASCII option more and more available for new
TDD's. I'll bet the cause gets more support as more and more
"popular online services" make more of the public aware of the
"Cyberspace World." You know what I mean, the Prodigy Serv.,
America Online, GEnie, etc.
It is amazing just how much activity there is in schools today
involving students with online computers. They're routinely
sharing work with other schools and getting the chance to
communicate in real time with others out-of-state at least, if not
internationally. There are many competing services available whose
mission is to help coordinate learning activities via modem, i.e.,
KidsNet, K12Net, FrEdMail, AT&T's Learning Link, and many others.
It is all too easy to forget that these sorts of activities along
with the new online services are factors that effect the design and
application of other "specific types" of communicating devices that
network via the public dialup lines, TDD's as an example. Long ago
I stopped trying to predict where it's all going. :-)
Best regards, Stu.
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