Modem Question

[MoFunk]

I am shopping around for a new modem and have a question that I can't seem to find out the answer to on my own. How the heck do I tell the difference between a software and a hardware modem? When I am looking around at places like New Egg there isnt anything that tells you. Please help. Thanks.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

for internal:
<$10 = software
~$20 = controllerless
>$30 = hardware

for external:
usb = controllerless
serial/com port = hardware

most modem manufacturers don't tell you anything, just the operating system requirement.
if it mentions dos, probably hardware.
if it mentions Pentium min., probably software.

newegg is a good place to shop, you can see the picture, look at the chip's name and number,
go to the chip maker's web site, and research it.

 

[thorin]

Tell us which you're interested in (HW/SW) and we'll suggest the best options.

Thorin

 

[dbrown39]

Which is the best SW modem that uses the V.92 technology?

 

[Kingofcomputer]

any - if it has driver for the os you're using.

newegg has such cheap modem:
ENCORE ENF656-PCI-NDPR 56K V.92 INTERNAL PCI FAX / MODEM/ MIC & SPEAKER (NetoDragon) - RETAIL
Specifications:
56K V.92 Data/Fax Modem
PCI interface
Supports V.92,V.90,v.34 and Group 3 Protocols.
NetoDragon MDV92XP Chipset
Telephone out Modem In standard RJ-11 Jacks
Supports Windows 95,98,ME,2000,and XP
Comes with Software/Drivers and Phone cord Model#: ENF656-PCIE-NDPR Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 4 ) -Price Alert (N82E16825180003)
(avg rating out of 13 voters)
(5)
$10.00

ArchTek SmartLink 56K V.92 PCI MODEM- RETAILDATA FAX VOICE, PLUG AND PLAY, INTERNAL MODEM
Connexant Brand Rockwell chipset XP V.90 V.92 Driver included.
Microsoft WHQL certifed Model#: 5634PRS-PCI Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 3 ) -Price Alert (N82E16825125002)
(avg rating out of 5 voters)
(3)
$11.00

ARCHTEK AMBIENT (INTEL) 56K V.92 PCI MODEM - RETAIL BOXED
INTEL Modem Chipset Data Voice Fax Function, V.90 V.92 Internal Modem. Voice Features, Remote or local telephone answering machine / voice mail control Record/ playback via soundboard. Plug and Play V.92 Driver included.
Model#: 5634PCW-A Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 3 ) -Price Alert (N82E16825123001)
(avg rating out of 15 voters)
(6)
$13.00

the chipset - Netodragon vs Connexant vs Intel

and here is the real man:

US Robotics 2977 56K V.90 Internal PCI Modem Data/Fax Only (No Voice) - OEM Model#: 2977 -OEM Special FedEx Saver Shipping $5.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 1 ) -Price Alert (N82E16825104130)
(avg rating out of 37 voters)
(30)
$40.00

or
US Robotics USR5610B 56K V.92 Internal PCI Performance Pro FaxModem Data/Fax Only (No Voice) - RETAIL Controller-based for superior performance. ControlCenter for optimum modem performance. Internet Call Notification (ICN) puts you in charge of incoming calls. This modem supports Linux and Windows, so it will work with a wide range of business applications and games. And speaking of games, you can switch the Performance Pro Modem into gaming mode any time you?re ready for some online competition. Model#: USR5610B Special FedEx Saver Shipping $4.00
- Product Link -See It! (image count 3 ) -Price Alert (N82E16825104131)
(avg rating out of 15 voters)
(13)
$68.00

 

[dbrown39]

The reason I asked was I picked up a Best Data modem from Office Max for $10 with a $10 mail in rebate. I think this is a great deal? What do you think?

 

[Kingofcomputer]

make sure it has working driver for the os you're using.

I had many modem with driver up to win98 only,
no winxp driver or winxp should have built-in driver but can't detect it properly,
all become junks in the closet.