Dial Modems

Dial Modems

Even with the advent of broadband access (DSL and Cable Modems), Ethernet and 802.11b/g/a wireless home networking, the need for

 a basic dial modem continues.  Why? 

• Broadband access is certainly NOT available everywhere, leaving basically one alternative - dial-up.
• Dial is a great "back up" technology for when your broadband access link fails.
• When you're traveling you'll still find that 802.11b/g/a wireless "hotspots" are NOT universally available and that many hotels do not have Ethernet nor wireless high speed access services.  Again, you'll only have one alternative to access the Internet or your home network - dial.

Now, it may seem that since dial technology has been around so long that one can just grab the first modem off the shelf and find dial-up bliss.  However, before you choose your modem we think you should take the following areas into consideration before you buy:

• Physical Configuration - Modems come in three basic configurations:
  • Internal - for desktop computers (you'll open your computer up to install them). The standard technology for internal modems is implemented as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card.  PCI in brief, is the architecture for interconnecting your system processor and attached devices (like the modem).  It transmits 32 bits at a time over a 124 pin connection or 64 on an expanded 188 pin connection and comes in 2 form factors - a full size, 312 mm card and a short 119-167 mm implementation for "low profile" systems.
  • PC Card  - A type I, II or II card for your notebook, laptop and even PDAs that accept this type of card.

  • External USB or Serial - a separate "box" (very small these days) that connects to your system using a USB or serial port.

  There are "plusses" and "minuses" for each physical configuration - if you purchase an internal modem, you'll have to "open up" your system and insert the card (and perhaps remove a failed one as well).  PC Cards are just for notebooks - and well suited for them as well.  External modems can add clutter to your desktop and add cabling complexity but are very easy to install.

  Web Home Office Reports

• Standards - the standards your modem supports will determine the speeds at which it is capable of transmitting data.  Now, before we get into each of the standards and their relative speeds, remember that just because a modem should deliver data at 56Kbps because it supports the V.90 standards, doesn't mean it will.  True transmission speed is effected by the quality of the copper between you and the destination modem as well as regulatory and phone company restrictions you probably aren't even aware of.  (In the U.S. and Canada, a V.90 modem is limited to 53Kbps for downloads and 31Kbps for uploads).  So with that in mind, standards (techie alphabet soup!) that you should keep in mind include:
  • V.90 - ITU (International Telecommunications Union) standard for delivering data downstream to a modem at 56Kbps and upstream at 33.6Kbps.
  • V.92 - has 3 advantages over the V.90 standard.  It delivers data upstream at 48Kbps (versus 33.6Kbps), "trains" or connects with the other modem faster and integrates a "modem on hold" feature that allows users to pause a data call to take a voice call on the same line.
  • Older, Slower Standards - just in case, there are a number of older, slower standards that modems should support which are outlined in the table below. 
  • Error Correction and Compression - In an effort to get the most out of the dial connection, modem makers also include error correction and compression capabilities (standards) that you should look for.  MNP5 (Microcom Networking Protocol Level 5) provides 2:1 data compression and MNP4 provides error correction and is included in the V.42 standard listed in the table below.

   

• Compatibility - In the world of the modem, that means compatibility not only with your computer and its operating system, but also its ability to do things like work with your cell phone  (GSM/CDMA) to make a data "call".  If you might need to get email from your car, the ability to use your cell phone with your laptop's modem would be a big plus.
• Fax - many modems include fax support - again, look out for those standards - Group 1 Fax - 6 minutes per page at 100dpi resolution, Group 2 - 2/3 minutes per page at 100 dpi, Group 3 - 1 minute per page at 200 dpi, Group 4 - 20 seconds at resolutions of 200 or 400 dpi.
• Voice - This is really more of a consideration for internal modems, but voice support and even telephone answering machine capabilities might be a nice "consolidation" strategy for folks that would like to use their system as their "total" communications system (voice, fax, data).
• Price - As always, what are you willing to pay?  You'll get exactly what you pay for - more quality and capabilities - more $$'s.
• Extras - Many modems come packed with software or combined with an Ethernet port on the same card.  Explore all your options and think about how you're planning to connect to the Internet not only right now but in the near future.

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of modems and their manufacturers.  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Dial Modems.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite modem from every manufacturer.  Just look for the É symbol!

Dial Modem Review

Dial Modems*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

AirLink+

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

AirLink+'s PCI card required you to "open up" your system and install it in an open PCI slot.  The external modem uses serial technology to connect to your system.

Cost - $$$$

AirLink+'s PCI modem is priced at $17.99.  We were unable to locate pricing for the external, serial modem.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

AirLink+ combines fax and telephony capabilities with their internal modems allowing you to turn your PC into a a single communications center with fax, voice mail and answering machine all on your system.

Ease of Use - @@@@

AirLink+'s modems are all straight forward in their implementation and easy to use.
Works With - YYY

AirLink+'s modems are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

AirLink+'s dial modems carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes manuals, quick installation guides, drivers and firmware downloads and a FAQ.  If you need more help you can email or telephone tech support at their "800" number Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific. 

Features - iii1/2

The AirLink+ modems are also fax modems and telephone answering machines/voice mail systems.  The both support V.92 and V.90 standards as well as Group 3 fax.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

The PCI modem is a competitively priced modem that will work effectively in an existing PC system.

AOpen

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

AOpen's external modems have software drivers that are easy to install.  The internal modems require that you "open up" your computer case, but, after that, the installation process is straight forward.

Cost - $$$$

AOpen makes five internal and three external modems that range in price from $12.94 to $79.00.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

AOpen combines fax and telephony capabilities with their internal modems allowing you to turn your PC into a a single communications center with fax, voice mail and answering machine all on your system.

Ease of Use - @@@@

AOpen's modems are all straight forward in their implementation and easy to use.
Works With - YYY

AOpen's modems are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pp

AOpen's modems have a one year warranty.  The technical support area on their web site includes just the basics - downloads, FAQ, user manuals.  If you need more help they suggest you contact the store at which you purchased the device.  You get what you pay for here - low cost, no support.  Throw out the modem.

Features - iiii

All of the AOpen modems are also fax modems and telephone answering machines/voice mail systems.  They all support a minimum of the V.90 standard and several (PCI 2.2 cards) support V.92 as well.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

AOpen's modems are competitively priced and deliver a lot of capability for the money you'll spend.  However, if you DO run into trouble we hope you're a good techie, you won't get much support from AOpen.

Best Data

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Of course you'll have to install the PCI cards by opening up your machine, but the USB and serial external modems as well as the PCMCIA modem install simply and easily.  Software drivers for all of the modems are easy to install.

Cost - $$$$

Best Data makes six external and four internal modems that range in price from $4.99 to $99.00.  See our product matrix for more information Dial Modems.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

All of Best Data's modems (with the exception of the Internet sharing modem) include fax capability.  And as noted, the sharing modem, shares access and includes a router and firewall.  All of these functions serve to help you simplify communications tasks and increase your productivity.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Best Data's modems are all straight forward to use.  Fax software is simple to understand and use.
Works With - YYYY1/2

Best Data makes a range of modems that operate in a number of operating system environments - from Windows to Macintosh, Linux, UNIX and even DOS.  Make sure you get a modem that your system can use - you can check out our product matrix for help Dial Modems.

Support - ppp

Best Data modems, again with the exception of the Internet sharing modem, carry 5 year warranties.  The Internet sharing modem has a 1 year warranty.  The technical support area of the Best Data site includes a driver download area, news and a compatibility list.  If you need more help, email is your only option and Best Data states their "turn around" time is 3 to 5 days.  We hope you don't need any dial access in the interim!

Features - iiii

Every modem, with the exception of the Internet sharing modem, deliver data and fax capabilities.  They all support the V.90/V.92 standards and V.44 compression.  The Internet sharing modem also includes a router and a firewall. 

Overall Rating - %%%%

Best Data delivers a nice set of modem products for almost every computing system.  They include fax capabilities and also make an Internet sharing modem.  The 5 year warranty is nice too.  However, technical support that is available only via email and then responds in 3 to 5 days makes us gasp.  We think Best Data could do better!

CNet Technology

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

CNet's external and internal PCI modems all have easy to install drivers.  Modem set up is straight forward.

Cost - $$$$

CNet's serial modem is priced at $47.07 and the two PCI internal modems are $9.99 and $5.00.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need a modem to access the Internet or just want a back-up strategy, these modems will do fine.  All of them incorporate fax technology and the PCMCIA and internal modem also include telephony support.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The CNet modems are all easy to use and include data/fax/telephony software that will help you turn your PC into your main communications device.
Works With - YYY

The CNet modems are all  designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

CNet modems have a one year warranty.  The tech support area on their web site includes online manuals, installation guides, drivers and firmware downloads and a FAQ.  If you need more help, you can email them or call them on their "800" number.

Features - iiii

All of the CNet modems include Group 3 fax capabilities and  one of the PCI modems also includes telephony support that includes a telephone answering machine and voice mail.  Most of the modems include data/fax software.  CNet modems support all of the most recent standards including V.92 for 56Kbps downloads, V.42bis/MNP5 data compression and V.42LAPM/MNP4 error correction.

Overall Rating - %%%%

CNet makes modems in two basic form factors.  Both deliver the speeds and feeds you'd expect and Group 3 fax capabilities. One of the PCI modems also delivers telephony capabilities with a telephone answering machine and voice mail built-in.  The modems are competitively priced and backed by a good technical support strategy.  If you can find them, a good product at a good price.

Creative

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Creative's internal, external and PCMCIA modems all have simple to install drivers.  Add-on software is also easy to install making set up a straight forward process.

Cost - $$$$

Creative's internal PCI modems are  priced at $39.99 and $49.99, the external USB modem is $49.99, the external serial modem $59.99 and the V.92 Modem Blaster for Notebooks $79.99.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

All of the Creative modems come with a rich set of bundled software applications to make using their modems more effective for you and your business.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Creative modems and add-on software are all simple to understand and use effectively.

Works With - YYY

Creative's modems are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp

Creative warrants their modems for 1 year.  Their web site has a nice knowledge base and FAQ area, but they offer installation assistance only by phone (Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM Central).  If you have problems after the initial installation, you'll have to contact Creative via email.

Features - iiii1/2

Creative's modems support all of the latest standards - V.92 for top throughput, V.42/MNP2-4 error correction and V.42bis/MNP5 data compression (the PCMCIA modem supports the V.90 standard and not V.92).  All of them come packed with a rich set of software applications that will help you integrate faxing and/or telephony with your computing system.  One of the internal PCI modems also includes speakerphone capability along with incoming and outgoing modem-on-hold.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Creative does one of the best jobs packing effective software into their product bundles and they do that again with their modems.  We recommend the Creative products highly. 

Diamond Multimedia

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Diamond Multimedia's PCI cards require you to open up your system and place them in an empty card slot.  All of the cards are "plug and play" and in most cases will not require specialized software drivers.  The bundled communications software installs easily.

Cost - $$$$

Diamond Multimedia's two PCI cards are priced at $29.99 and $39.99, the external modems (Serial and USB) are both priced at $59.99 as is the PCMCIA modem.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

All of the Diamond Multimedia modems come with a rich set of bundled software applications to make using their modems more effective for you and your business.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Diamond Multimedia modems and add-on software are all simple to understand and use effectively.

Works With - YYY+

The Diamond Multimedia modems are designed for the Windows environment, however, the external serial modem is compatible with Linux and DOS as well.

Support - pp1/2

Diamond Multimedia modems carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area of the web site provides driver updates only.  If you need more help email is your only option.

Features - iii1/2

All of the Diamond Multimedia modems support V.90 56K standards as well as 14.4Kbps Group III fax.  Diamond Multimedia bundles in communications software as well.  All of the modems support data compression and error correction standards including V.42bis, MNP5, V.42 LAPM and MNP 2-4.  The PCMCIA modem also support V.80 video conferencing.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Diamond Multimedia makes solid modems with good pricing.  We would recommend their solutions more emphatically if they improved their tech support strategy.

Encore Electronics

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Encore's PCI-based internal modems require you to open up your system and insert them in an empty card slot.  The external modems use serial or USB to connect to your system.  Drivers on the internal cards, where required, install in a straight forward manner.

Cost - $$$$1/2

Encore's five internal modems are priced at $7.00 and $8.80, we were unable to locate pricing for the PCMCIA modem.  The external modems are priced at $17.99 for the serial model and $19.99 for the USB model.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

All the Encore modems come with Faxtalk software to help you get the most our of your modem investment.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The modems are simple to use as is the bundled software.

Works With - YYY

Encore modems are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2

Encore modems carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes manuals, drivers and a FAQ.  If you need more help you can email tech support or contact them via telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii1/2

Encore's modems all support V.92/V.90 56Kbps transmission and 14.4Kbps V.17 Group 3 fax.  Telephone answering machine and video conferencing support is also on every modem as is "net-on-hold" support via Encore's Faxtalk software.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

The price is certainly right if you're looking for an inexpensive replacement for a failed modem card in your desktop or laptop.

Genius

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Genius' PCI-based modems require you to "open up" your system and insert them in an open PCI card slot.  The external modems use USB or RS-232 to connect to your system.  All are "plug and play" and in most cases will not require installation of a software driver.  Where required, they install in a straight forward manner.

Cost - Incomplete

We were unable to locate U.S. pricing for any of the Genius products (2 PCI modems, 2 external modems).  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The Genius modems come with bundled voice/fax applications to help you get the most from your modem purchase.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The modems support standard command sets and integrate with networked applications.

Works With - YYY

The Genius modems are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Genius modems carry a one year limited warranty.  The web site includes a FAQ and manuals.  If you need more help, email is your only option (to Taiwan).

Features - iii1/2

All of the Genius modems support V.90/V.92 56Kbps speeds and V.17, V.27ter, V.29 fax speeds of 14.4Kbps. MNP 2-4, 5 and ITU V.42, V.42bis error correction and data compression are also supported.  Two of the modems also support TAM (telephone answering machine) functionality as well.

Overall Rating - Incomplete

Basic modems, difficult to find in the U.S.

Global Village

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The Global Village external USB modem has easy to install software drivers and add-on software.  Set up is straight forward.

Cost - $$$$

The Teleport 56K/V.92 modem is priced at $79.99.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to access the Internet and fax from your Macintosh, the Teleport 56K/V.92 will deliver the functionality that will help you automate and perform these important tasks.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Teleport modem and add-on software are easy to use.

Works With - YYY

The Teleport 56K/V.92 modem is designed for the Macintosh environment only.

Support - pppp

The Teleport 56K/V.92 modem has a 5 year warranty.  The tech support area on the Global Village web site includes driver downloads and technical tips.  If you need more help you can email or call technical support (no "800" number, you must pay long distance charges where they apply) Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7:30 PM Eastern time.

Features - iii1/2

The nice extra on the Teleport 56K/V.92 modem is the GlobalFax software that will help you perform faxing tasks as easily as surfing the Internet.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

 A good modem for owners of older Macintoshes (no OS X support, although "Classic" mode is an option). 

Hawking Technology

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Hawking Technology's internal, external and PCMCIA modems all have easy to install driver software.  Data/fax add on software is easy to set up as well.

Cost - $$$$

Hawking Technology makes one PCMCIA modem, three external and one internal modem that are priced from $19.99 to $99.00.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Hawking Technology's modems include fax and data software which will help you and your business automate Internet access set up and faxing sending and receiving from your PC.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Hawking Technology's modems are easy to use as is their add on data/fax software.

Works With - YYY

Hawking Technology's modems are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

Hawking Technology modems, with the exception of the PCMCIA modem, carry one year warranties.  The PCMCIA modem has a 2 year warranty.  The Hawking Technology web site includes driver downloads, product specs and a FAQ.  If you need more help you can email technical support or call them from 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific (no "800" number you must pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii1/2

Some of the Hawking Technology modems support V.92, other support V.90 as their "top" specification.  Be sure you know what you're buying!  The modems also include data/fax and data/fax/voice software depending upon the model. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Hawking Technology delivers good, basic modems in all of the form factors one could desire - internal PCI, external USB and serial and PCMCIA.  Their software implementations are limited when compared to a number of other manufacturers and some of them do not yet support V.92 standards.  However, you'll get a good modem at a competitive price with a Hawking purchase!

Impression

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Impression's internal PCI modem requires you to open your system and insert it in a spare slot (or replace the one that's failed).   Drivers, where required, install in a straight forward manner.

Cost - $$$$

Impression's PCI internal modem is priced at $11.78.  See our product matrix Dial Modems for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Impression's modem incorporates data, fax and voice capabilities - a nice help to any business owner. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

Impression's modem utilizes standard AT command sets for data and EIA/TIA 578 Class1 and T.31 Class 1.0 fax commands.

Works With - YYY

Impression's modem is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

Impression's modem carries a lifetime limited warranty.  The web site includes software downloads and a trouble shooting guide.  If you need more help, you can email tech support (form on web site), or call them on their "800" number, Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Pacific.

Features - iii1/2

V.92/V.90 56Kbps transmission, 14.4Kbps fax and voice/video capabilities. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

A solid replacement modem or "add-on" for a new system without one.