critique this modem

[msgad]

I'm to the point where it's easier to buy a new modem that figure out a way to make my current modem dos capable, so, does anyone have anything good or bad to say about a Creative Labs Modem Blaster Flash56 PCI Modem
Model: DI5630?

[LawyerRon]

A lot of people knock the Creative Winmodems but I've installed a couple of them and they were very easy installs and seem to work fine. The only caution I would add is that when using any Winmodem, you must have a cpu of about 300 mhz or faster and adequate RAM. Forget about Winmodems on slow processors like P90s, 100s, etc., as Winmodems use cpu cycles to perform.

[glc]

You want DOS capable and you are buying another Winmodem?

If you want DOS capability, there are only 2 ways to go - an internal hardware controlled NON plug and play ISA modem with jumpers - such as a Supra Express or a US Robotics Sportster - or an external serial (NOT usb) modem. Period. Some Winmodems advertise "dos compatibility" - don't believe that for a second. It's always a pain in the @$$. Even if it's hardware controlled, getting DOS capability out of any PCI modem is iffy.

Stick to US Robotics or Conexant/Rockwell chipsets please - Cirrus/Ambient/Intel , ESS, Motorola, and PCTel are all junk. Lucent is halfway decent, but they don't make a jumpered ISA hardware modem.

[Carl Price]

Beg to differ with you GLC. I have in stock some dos capable, jumperable, ISA modems using the Lucent Venus chipset. They work wonderfully. I sell them for $39.00.

[reboot]

Yes, there are Lucent ISA modems around (I think C|Net, Boca, and a couple of others are still on the market). The Venus chipset is most commonly found in USB modems though.

[glc]

Sorry about that - the only Lucent ISA modems I have personally seen are the old LT Winmodems.

[reboot]

Not a prob glc. You can't be expected to know everything about modems. ;)

Back to the topic; a winmodem will work in a DOS box, but not in DOS mode (restart in DOS).
Do yourself a favor, and find a good hard modem.
We like the Diamond Supra Express (either ISA or external, not USB).
The externals are going for around $30 on ebay, the ISA even less.

[msgad]

GLC,
The ad at "bestbuy.com" specifically says that this is not a winmodem (controllerless), even though it has a pci connection. Am I confused or am I just comfused? Also in the running was the USR Performance Pro. This modem is advertised as a non-winmodem (controllerless) with a pci connection. The retail box also claims that it is dos compatable and has a controller onboard. Am I beign misled, duped, or otherwise being led to the cash register by my unsuspecting and ignorant ear?

[glc]

Whether it's controllerless or not, all PCI modems are "plug and play" and real mode DOS support is rough. As I said, you need an ISA modem with jumpers or an external serial. You will not likely find an ISA modem with jumpers and a QUALITY chipset at Best Buy - but they should have external serial USR Sportsters and probably some Zooms and Best Datas too. You get what you pay for. If you have an ISA slot, buy one of those Lucents from Carl.

[msgad]

Carl, do you have a web page or an email address where I can visit with you?

[glc]

Look under Carl's post for the "mail" icon and click on it.