Hardware 56K USB modem

[omega2]

Is there any hardware 56K USB modem in the market out there? I don't have high speed, and I'm planning on upgrading my PC. I want to save as many PCI slots as possible, so the only option here is to go external.

But if there isn't any 56K USB hardware modem, then I guess I have to go for PCI, but before I do, I want to make sure that I have explorer all the options.

 

[TheDisturbance]

what are you planning on putting in the PCI slots? go internal...a loooot cheaper!

 

[bozo1]

Hardware vs. software really doesn't matter anymore with the speed of current systems.

 

[RanDum72]

USB modems are not really 'hardware' modems, they are more like Winmodems running off the USB. ISA and serial port modems are more or less true hardware modems. PCI modems are mostly winmodems., a few are hardware like USRobotics pro modems.
But with today's fast machines, hardware modems are more expensive and offer virtually nothing in terms of better performance. I would be more concerned with a modem's error correction and ability to handle crappy phone lines than whether it uses PCI, USB, etc..

 

[Kingofcomputer]

USB modem is controller-less.
Those $20 price range PCI modem is controller-less.
$10 price range is software modem.

For the price of USB modem, I'd rather pay little more to get a hardware external serial port modem.
External serial port modem works in any system (with serial port) and any os.

 

[PCMarine]

Hardware is the only way to go (Coming from a former AOL + Winmodem user...)