recommended 56k modems?

[drpootums]

Built my new system (in sig) and forgot a modem 🙁. I was trying to find a fast (or as fast as they get) 56k modem i could buy. Trying to stay under $30-40.

Thanks!

 

[tm37]

I usually just buy the USR 56K for $25 that walmart carries.

With the modem you are more hampered by having a clean line than by the quality of modem.

Also with today's processor speeds CPU usage is not really and issue.

If you are planning on running linux I would look to get one that is not a WIN MODEM>

 

[Malak]

Find a friend with broadband and take his. Heck, I'd give my modem to someone if they needed it, I took it out a long time ago and it probably found its way to the trash.

 

[Excelsior]

What another poster said. Speed won't be an issue cause of the modems, but of where you are dialing to, etc.

 

[drpootums]

ok, i was just wondering if there is a specific one that's faster or more reliable than others.

See, i have a friend that is disconnected probably 1-2 times an hour because of his modem, so that makes me question reliablity.
Also, Officemax had a modem (didnt get to it in time) that advertised "40% faster DL speeds over other 56k modems."

 

[kornphlake]

I'd be skeptical of modems that advertise faster downloads. Usually all that means is that the modem has some software that is supposed to accelerate downloads or otherwise optomize the connection, my experience is that software doesn't help, it's more of a hassle than it's worth. I've had modems with lucent chipsets recently and I've had good luck with them, except for the one that I fried with static electricity the time I grabbed card before grounding myself on the case. I think I paid like $9 at Fry's for the one I have now.

 

[Excelsior]

Id say get something like this?