External modems - USB or serial?

[mitso]

Is one better than the other or a tossup - other than no brick for the USB?

 

[bgeh]

all USB modems are soft modems, but processors are now so good that it isn't a problem anymore
i recommend a USB modem if you use Win 2k/Win XP because if you turn off the serial modem after windows starts, you'll have to restart windows to use the modem

 

[mitso]

Thanks bgeh.

I can remember years ago the hectic time trying to install ISA and PCI modems.
Is the USB modem as fussy?
This is for a lady friend, and i'd like it to be simple and friendly.
I had an old 14.4 external that was a snap to install.
But i'd hate to have her restart the computer if she accidentally
turned of the modem - she does get flustered with these newfangled critters.

 

[LED]

I've used both and prefer Serials because, @ least for me, the performance has been better along with features. I use Robotics, Diamond, and GVC which all hit 50K+ out here in the Country. Of course YMMV depending on your lines and ISP.

 

[Mday]

not all usb modems are software, but most of them are. USR had a hardware usb modem, but i dont think they make them anymore.

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: bgeh
all USB modems are soft modems, but processors are now so good that it isn't a problem anymore
i recommend a USB modem if you use Win 2k/Win XP because if you turn off the serial modem after windows starts, you'll have to restart windows to use the modem

I would still go with a serial modem. I used an external with win2k and never had a problem having to restart. I also had experience with a usb modem and when running a 800mhz cpu at the time, whenever I dialed out the cpu would spike to 100% and basically lock the pc temporarily. I am sure it was just the particular brand of modem, but it was a pita.

 

[onelin]

I've been using a serial USR 56K in winXP and 2k for a year and a half. It was annoying until I realized I just can't turn the modem off (and I never need to anyway...)
If it was for a techie, I would probably find a hardware usb modem so you could go legacy-free...but other than that, why not serial I guess.

 

[mitso]

Thanks guys for the great help.

I decided to go serial and locate it where she can't easily turn it off.

Thanks again.