jeff@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Jeff White) (09/18/90)
Two further points of information. First, I own one of the MX 2400 baud external pre-sendfax modems, and was curious as to whether I could get it upgraded (I bought it in January). As long as you have the newest Zoom version (the one with the line trimmer pot on the back instead of the volume control), you can have it upgraded for $59.95. That gives you the current rev of the hardward, and the Mac software to go along with it (just the fax software, really, I don't think anyone uses their comm software). They said about a 2 week turnaround period. I also got one of their advertisements in the mail today. The have the same offer as before, 2400 baud modem with sendfax for $129 (I thought it was $119 before, but not a big difference). However, one change is that at time of purchase, for an extra $20, you'll get a version that can send faxes at 9600 baud, compared to the standard 4800 baud. A couple of questions, then: 1. Does anyone have the 9600 baud version, and if so, does it make a noticeable improvement in transfer times? 2. One of the problems with the Zoom modem back when I bought it in January was that it couldn't send a break character. When I ordered it then, I talked to a service rep who said they were working on it, and a free upgrade fix should be (or have been) available in March/April. I asked this new rep when I asked about the sendfax upgrade if the break fix was included in that, and he said he never heard of it, but since I was getting the latest version, if it was ever done, I should get it. So, to new modem owners, will your modem send a break? 3. Any chance of receive fax modems being available for as low a cost in the near future? First, the 4800 baud capability was added for little to no extra cost. Now, you can get 9600 baud for an extra $20. Are receive units a much bigger difference that we shouldn't expect them in low cost models. I don't have use for a fax that often, but if I'm going to spend some money for it (either for a new modem or for an upgrade), it would be very nice if it could work both ends and have it receive as well. Any ideas on this? Jeff White jeff@eniac.seas.upenn.edu