Hard Modem Or Not

[Dennis]

Anyone know if this modem is a hardware or win modem. I know nothing except I was told model number is US Robotics Model 3CP699A and cost about $50.00 and or is there a better modem. Thanks
Dennis

[glc]

The 3CP5699A is a winmodem. The 3298, 5610, 2976, and 2977 are their only PCI hardmodems that I know of.

[Dennis]

Thanks glc. Then one of those numbers are what I am looking for. I can't tell the difference even when looking at the box which is which. But I am pretty sure I want the hard modem and not the win modem.
Den

[reboot]

Find a modem that does NOT require Windows. If the box says you need Windows, it's a softmodem, aka winmodem.
If it will run in DOS/Linux/Any other OS, it'll be a hard modem.

[Dennis]

Thanks for that reboot that will help. This comp. has a 2.53 processor. Is a hardmodem realy worth twice the cost of the winmodem. From $40.00 to $80.00 thats the prices at Best Buy.
Den

[reboot]

With a processor that speed, and enough RAM, no need to spend money on a hard modem,...BUT...you get what you paid for. If you want reliability and stability of your connection, especially if your phone lines are not the best, get a hard modem.
Take a look around for a Diamond or other Rockwell based hard modem. Easily as good as the USR, for about half the price.

[Dennis]

Thanks reboot. I will do that. Hopefully I can tell by the box what one is. As you can tell I am about as sharp about this subject as a knife with a broken blade.
Den

[Computer Hobbyist]

There are two reasons I think a hardmodem is always a better choice than a winmodem. No matter how fast your processor, there is always a performance hit when you use a winmodem. Unless the world has changed a lot in the last 6 months you must use windows when you use a winmodem. Last I looked alternate operating systems don't do winmodems.

I think it is best to spend a little more and get better performance and flexibility. I also think buying an external modem is a better choice than one of the PCI card hardmodems. Which I own and which has proven to be a little difficult to setup with Linux. Mandrake 8.1 didn't want to see it at first. USRobotics prices do show that a winmodem ($40) is about 40% the price of an external modem ($85) and 60% of the price of a PCI hardmodem ($68.)


CH

[Dennis]

I just returned from buying a modem. I decided on a US Robotics 56 K Performance Pro Modem. $ 85.00 Pretty sure this is hardware. My choice was very limited the only hardware type Best Buy had. Tired of looking. Thanks
Dennis

[glc]

Yes, the Performance Pro is the 5610.

Best "deal" out there is the 2977 at Newegg for $40. This is the "no frills" OEM internal PCI hardmodem, it comes in a bag with a driver floppy.

[Tuf]

I can feel the arrows coming my way but a decent Lucent winmodem is not a bad choice.

[glc]

I agree - if you must have a winmodem, a Lucent is the best choice and Zoom is the best brand.