How to choose a good or best "Dial-Up Modem"

[Prudent]

Checking out modems at newegg.

I already know about 92V. And of 44V Compression although I keep seeing a whole lot of other techy jarhen beside 44V things like "44V ITP" for example.

Every thing seems so hard in order to pick one, plus I've tried to find a suitable web page to help me to choose a Dial-Up Modem.

I know that dial-up modems that have a co CPU are best, but I'm not sure how to tell if the modem has this or not.

I realize this is old technology and that DSL or cable is better but dial-up can be handy for those times when you least expect it.

I also know buying a package that already has the drivers on a CD along is good as well.

Are there any other ways to select a better dial-up modem?

Here are my specs in case needed, scroll to the second system specs posted. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.p...703#post867703

[bailey]

the external modems are the best ones and have everything built in except the power supply which is a plug in cube type and connects with the serial port

[Cricket]

The USR 2976 or 2977 have been the best performing internal PCI modems that I have used. They are hardware modems.

Yeah, stay away from "winmodems".

Cricket

[Prudent]

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...104-119&DEPA=0
Ok I found one.

Can any one top off the USR 2976 or 2977 models?

Any thing better?

Any other factors for better?

[bailey]

thats about as good as you can get.

[Prudent]

That US robotics Modem is the USR model but it doesn't have 92V or 44V compression is it still better?

Are there any other things to look for in for if it was an internal modem?

[shazam]

Are you looking for fax, caller ID and call waiting? I do not believe the ones mention have those features.

[Prudent]

I'm not looking for fax, caller ID or call waiting. If I could have them that would be great but...

what I am looking for is the best internal dial-up modem. With the best speed I can buy.

Considering this is old tech I don't expect any one to know which is the best sold at newegg.

But I know that 92V is apparently a good thing to look for on a dial-up modem. And it should have 44V compression.

But I don't know any thing other then that.

I was looking at this
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...138-104&depa=0
it has 92V and 44V. But it doesn't have a USR model make. I know this modem might be as good as any but considering the prices at newegg I might as well get the best...

And also remember if you post which is the best this will come in handy for future people who share my questions too.

[shazam]

You could look at usr 5686e external or 5610b bothare 92

[Prudent]

Thanks buddy.

I checked out this one USR5610B
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-131&depa=0
But this one doesn't apear to have 44V compresion...

Whew this is really starting to

Is it still the best?

Its pretty pricy so it should be, but I've bought a lot of other expensive stuff over he years that didn't do so hot.

[Prudent]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...100-103&depa=0

Hello, what about this one?

Is there any thing about it I would be missing out on?

It has V92 and V44 and its external too.

Can any one spot somthing wrong with it? Can any one top this?

[glc]

Innocom? Chipset "not specified"? Stay away. That $15 Best Data is a cheap Winmodem.

If you insist on V.92, the USR 5610B internal and 5686E external are both hard to beat. To me, V.92 is not worth the extra cost, I use 2976's when I build for people who have dialup. USR is about the only one left building decent hardware based modems - almost everything else you find out there are software controllerless winmodems - even the externals.

[Prudent]

Ok these are the runner ups:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-131&depa=0
Has its own chip. Has 92V.
But Lacks V44 Compression.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-135&depa=0
Built-in processor. Has 92V.
But Lacks V44 Compression.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-137&depa=0
Has 92V. Has 44V.
But unknown if it has its own chip.

Which is better?

[shazam]

I agree with glc. Also if your isp does not support 92 you are wasteing money. I suggest you go to www.usr.com. There you can read all the specs. and features. The new modems can also be upgraded in the future. Good luck in your search.

[glc]

The 5699B is not fully hardware controlled. It's a hybrid that does depend on software so it's essentially a Winmodem.

[Prudent]

Thank you shazam

--

How important is V44 Compression?

Do those modems I listed have V44 Compression and I'm just not seeing it?

Is V44 Compression the same as 92V?

"V.42 bis/ MNP 5"
Is MNP 5 the same as V44?

[Prudent]

Is the US Robotic Modem Shown here...
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-131&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...180-001&DEPA=0
Better then this Encore Modem?
92V. Apears to have an intel chip.

[glc]

Yes.

I'll say it one more time. If you want a PCI modem, there's only one way to fly - a USR hardware modem, and there are only 3 in existence - a 2976, 2977, and a 5610, and the 5610B is the only one that's V.92. Intel and Conexant PCI modems are software controlled, as are most Lucent/Agere unless you find one with the Venus chipset which I don't believe was ever upgraded from V.90 to V.92. ANY other chipsets in PCI (NetoDragon, PCTel, SM56, etc.) are going to be software.