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Anyone recommend a hardware controlled USB modem

jaytone

Senior member
Looking to free up an IRQ by getting a USB modem. I would like a hardware controller based modem and need a recommendation. I see that USR, Actiontec and Aztech make USB modems, but none say if they are winmodems or hardware modems especially one that doesnt need an IRQ. Both of my com ports are disabled.
Anyone recommend a good USB modem.
Thanks
 
I have a Boca Tidal Wave USB that is hardwear based, cost was only about $54 shipped and it does better than my old Supra Express. It has been very reliable and came in handy with the upgrade of a CUSL2 (no ISA slots)...
 
I think that all USB modems are hardware based, but I could be wrong. Maybe one of the USB experts here can give us a more difintive answer
 
Are any of these modems using an IRQ ? I just read Actiontec's site about their USB call waiting modem (really dont need the call waiting feature) and it says it uses a Com port for the call waiting feature even though it is a USB. I would then assume that it needs an IRQ. My Com ports are disable in the BIOS to free up 3 and 4 irq which are being used.
 
I think all USB modems are hardware based, but like Schola says, Im not sure.

And USB was designed to overcome the problem of limited IRQ's. As far as I know, no USB devices need IRQ's. Again, I could be wrong.. Hehe.
 
Nope Daz your right USB only requires you to use only 1 IRQ for all your USB devices, thats the good part to USB devices also. I have a USB nic as well & USB scanner too... I would love to have a USB Cdrw as well but a new house at this time does not permit... And no not all USB modems are hardware take a look at pricewatch.com under modems USB... I got the Boca because it was the cheapest one that said (hardware).
 
All USB modems are winmodems, since no USB modem will work in DOS. As any other USB device, USB Modem will havily depend on your system resources, so if dialup modem is the primary way of you connecting to WWW, getting USB modem will not be a very wise decision. If you need modem just to send faxes, it really doesn't matter if it is USB modem or 2400 baud modem.
 
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