Your modem is very important since it effects the speed at which Web pages download to your computer. A computer's processor and RAM effect computing performance, but have little to do with the speed at which data can be transferred from a Web site. Your modem is the variable effecting fast Net access; therefore, a 28.8 Kbps modem is essential. Do not buy a 14.4 modem or a computer with a built-in 14.4.
A new class of modems will be introduced early in 1997 that permit users to download material from the Internet at speeds of 56 Kbps, twice as fast as today's standard models. U.S. Robotics, a leading modem company, will be offering these new, high-speed modems.
While manufacturers' product lines comprise a decreasing percentage of dial-up modems, ISPs add modems to their pools every day, and IT departments still rely on dial-ups for everything from technical support to work-at-home users. Contrary to popular belief, broadband prices and availability have not yet killed dial-up. ISPs are seeing ever-increasing numbers of modem users who want to surf the Internet occasionally and exchange e-mail with relatives. To these people, a $40-plus broadband bill is not appealing. Also, many folks in smaller communities and outlying areas still have no access to broadband technologies -- and won't anytime soon. Many manufacturers have moved on to making cable modems or DSL modems, simply leaving the dial-up market on the back burner.
A new class of modems will be introduced early in 1997 that permit users to download material from the Internet at speeds of 56 Kbps, twice as fast as today's standard models. U.S. Robotics, a leading modem company, will be offering these new, high-speed modems.
While manufacturers' product lines comprise a decreasing percentage of dial-up modems, ISPs add modems to their pools every day, and IT departments still rely on dial-ups for everything from technical support to work-at-home users. Contrary to popular belief, broadband prices and availability have not yet killed dial-up. ISPs are seeing ever-increasing numbers of modem users who want to surf the Internet occasionally and exchange e-mail with relatives. To these people, a $40-plus broadband bill is not appealing. Also, many folks in smaller communities and outlying areas still have no access to broadband technologies -- and won't anytime soon. Many manufacturers have moved on to making cable modems or DSL modems, simply leaving the dial-up market on the back burner.
Mostly Modems
For the modem user, v.90 has been the greatest thing since sliced bread, but not everyone can take advantage of the speed increases gained from these features. Digital PBXes, improperly installed copper and aged, corroded, substandard installations can all prevent 56-Kbps links. This, however, should not stop you from buying 56-Kbps (v.90) modems for your office.
But if you are out there buying, you may want to consider going all the way to v.92 as soon as it's available. The cost difference between 56-Kbps and standard 33.6-Kbps modems is negligible. At least with a 56-Kbps modem, you'll have the flexibility to achieve that data rate should conditions change.
Purchasing modems that come with software to let you standardize for faxing and telecommunications may be advantageous--but this decision must be based on how your end users will use their modems. Software that's packaged with the modem is included in the cost, eliminating the need to file a separate purchase order for software. If you have already standardized on a particular software package, however, purchasing modems in a "white box" OEM configuration to save the cost of the packaging, user manuals and included software may be worthwhile. These "white box" units often come with nothing but drivers.
Homeboys and Desktop Divas
For users without laptops and those who need modems at the business site, your first question will be: internal or external modems? Internal cards do eliminate desktop clutter and the need for external power supplies. However, most users are ill-equipped to handle the installation of internal modems.
There are two kinds of internal modems: Those that have their own DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) and those that don't. Those that do not are also called Windows modems or soft modems. Soft modems use CPU cycles to handle almost all processing, making them very inexpensive. However, the special drivers that make software modems work are finicky. On one system, the installation will be easy as pie. But the next install might just be your worst nightmare -- an agony of drivers, virtual COM ports and broken hardware in Windows Device Manager. Another drawback to soft modems is that they generally work only in a Microsoft Windows environment, leaving Macintosh and other OS users out in the cold.
Traditional internal modems fare better for OS compatibility but still fall short in the installation area. While plug and play in the Windows environment helps to ease the installation, having an end user install an internal modem is still an iffy prospect.
External modems are much easier for end users to install, and with the advent of the USB interface, the whole endeavor has become even easier. Simple driver installation, ease of physical installation and diagnostic lights are an external modem's main advantages. Disadvantages include desk clutter, endless cables and external AC "wall wart" adapters.
Gotta Go, Gotta Go
When purchasing PC Card modems for your mobile users, first consider functionality. Next ask yourself, "Is there a need for LAN connectivity as well?" If so, your needs may best be met by a LAN/modem combo card. Connector types are another deliberating point. Adapter dongles, full-size ports and 3Com X-Jack connectors all have their pros and cons. Adapter dongles are frequently lost. Full-size ports prevent you from putting a second PC Card into your laptop. X-Jacks allow a single-slot form factor without an extra cable but can be somewhat fragile. And if you break an X-Jack, it has to go back to 3Com for repair. The easiest decision for mobile users may be to get a laptop with an internal modem.
For the modem user, v.90 has been the greatest thing since sliced bread, but not everyone can take advantage of the speed increases gained from these features. Digital PBXes, improperly installed copper and aged, corroded, substandard installations can all prevent 56-Kbps links. This, however, should not stop you from buying 56-Kbps (v.90) modems for your office.
But if you are out there buying, you may want to consider going all the way to v.92 as soon as it's available. The cost difference between 56-Kbps and standard 33.6-Kbps modems is negligible. At least with a 56-Kbps modem, you'll have the flexibility to achieve that data rate should conditions change.
Purchasing modems that come with software to let you standardize for faxing and telecommunications may be advantageous--but this decision must be based on how your end users will use their modems. Software that's packaged with the modem is included in the cost, eliminating the need to file a separate purchase order for software. If you have already standardized on a particular software package, however, purchasing modems in a "white box" OEM configuration to save the cost of the packaging, user manuals and included software may be worthwhile. These "white box" units often come with nothing but drivers.
Homeboys and Desktop Divas
For users without laptops and those who need modems at the business site, your first question will be: internal or external modems? Internal cards do eliminate desktop clutter and the need for external power supplies. However, most users are ill-equipped to handle the installation of internal modems.
There are two kinds of internal modems: Those that have their own DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) and those that don't. Those that do not are also called Windows modems or soft modems. Soft modems use CPU cycles to handle almost all processing, making them very inexpensive. However, the special drivers that make software modems work are finicky. On one system, the installation will be easy as pie. But the next install might just be your worst nightmare -- an agony of drivers, virtual COM ports and broken hardware in Windows Device Manager. Another drawback to soft modems is that they generally work only in a Microsoft Windows environment, leaving Macintosh and other OS users out in the cold.
Traditional internal modems fare better for OS compatibility but still fall short in the installation area. While plug and play in the Windows environment helps to ease the installation, having an end user install an internal modem is still an iffy prospect.
External modems are much easier for end users to install, and with the advent of the USB interface, the whole endeavor has become even easier. Simple driver installation, ease of physical installation and diagnostic lights are an external modem's main advantages. Disadvantages include desk clutter, endless cables and external AC "wall wart" adapters.
Gotta Go, Gotta Go
When purchasing PC Card modems for your mobile users, first consider functionality. Next ask yourself, "Is there a need for LAN connectivity as well?" If so, your needs may best be met by a LAN/modem combo card. Connector types are another deliberating point. Adapter dongles, full-size ports and 3Com X-Jack connectors all have their pros and cons. Adapter dongles are frequently lost. Full-size ports prevent you from putting a second PC Card into your laptop. X-Jacks allow a single-slot form factor without an extra cable but can be somewhat fragile. And if you break an X-Jack, it has to go back to 3Com for repair. The easiest decision for mobile users may be to get a laptop with an internal modem.
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