modems & scanners.

[EvenSteven]

i've had modem problems ever since i got my modem and have decided to try the next best thing, to buy a new one.which modem would you guys recommend? Another question, which scanner would you guys recommend? i know thewy can get a little pricey, so i'm looking for one in the $150-250 range. <--is that price even feasable for good quality? Since i've never spent time at learing about scanners, is there a good web site that talks about the different aspects of them? thanks for your input.

[Floppyman]

As for modems, I recommend the Diamond Supra Express 56i. It has excellent performance at an reasonable price, been using it for a while now, great modem. HTH

[mairving]

It all depends on what you want to do with a scanner. You have four choices: SCSI, Firewire, USB & Parallel. Don't even consider parallel. The speed is pretty bad. Firewire is going to break your budget. SCSI is good but USB probably gets the most bang for the budget. You should look carefully at the software bundles that come with each scanner. They can make or break it. I personally have a Microtek X6EL SCSI scanner. I bought it a couple of years ago. For $300, it came with a full version of Photoshop 5.0. Worth the investment.

Here is a link to ZDNET's shopper guide for scanners.

[SARGE]

Modem - Supra Express external (non-USB). Same modem, but internal for 2nd choice.

Scanner - used UMAX USB and does well. Alot of the repairmen say HP makes the best, at least they hardly ever work on 'em. It's Fords vs. Chevy's, but USB easiest to fool with.

[DinerGuy]

I'd go with an HP Scanjet 5p if you could find one second hand. Mine is rock solid, fast and gives me great image quality.. As to the modem, I agree with the Supra Express. I have one as a backup to my cable modem. It was my main connection method for years and never let me down.

[EvenSteven]

thanks guys, that's exactly what i wanted to know

[EvenSteven]

also... is there any real advantage to having an external over an internal?

[mairving]

The only reason to have an external is (a.) that you like to see lights flashing, (b.) easier to reset (disconnect power), (c.) you can transport to different computers. The disadvantage is that it is more expensive than internal and it is just one more thing to stick on your desk.

The Diamond SupraExpress is the best out there. I used to have one before cable came along. Do you have cable/DSL options in your area?

[EvenSteven]

i think i do have options in my area, but i think i may be too far from the telco. i'm going to look into it. io'm not sure about spending $40 per month for DSL.
Maybe somebody could provide me with a convincing arguement for why I should get DSL
Actually, maybe it would be a good idea since i'm being forced into getting a second phone line. Oh, that leads me to another question: can two computers use the same DSL line at the same time??

[glc]

$40 for DSL is a bargain when you look at the cost of an ISP *and* a second phone line. Yes, you can share the DSL easily, there are tons of posts in these forums on how to do it. Go to dslreports.com and get a distance report - if it's less than 18000 feet you will have a low cost option.

[mairving]

I tell you one thing. There is no way I would ever go back to dialup. I have been spoiled by cable for too long. Like glc said, there is not much difference between the price of cable/DSL & an ISP and extra phone line. Of course, if you get a cable/DSL connection, the next thing you will need is a new hard drive. You can fill it up pretty fast on downloads.

[DinerGuy]

Mairving is right on the money. For the price of a decent ISP and a second phone line, and for unlimited local calling if you're going to be on it constantly, you are much better off with dsl or cable. I used to be happy with a 56k connection that topped out at 7k throughput. Now with cable, I rountinely connect at 1500k and have throughput above 250k. In the late night hours, I can connect at over 6000k and download at 500+ k.

You will definitely need a new hard drive, and even a cd burner because once downloading becomes easy, it becomes an addiction, as evidenced by my 40 cd's of freeware, shareware, mp3's, linux distributions and even entire web sites.