Frank D'Ariano,776-3192,EW 410-1C (fdariano@ew0831.astronis) writes:
> I called the local computer supply store in my area and found two 14.4 modems: one costs $45 and one costs $85. I don't have a clue what makes a $85 modem worth that much. Is it the software that comes with it or is it truely the hardware?
>
> Does anyone know of a FAQ for modems that will help educate a dummy like me?
The big problem with the el-cheapo 14.4 modems is that they're
almost all RPI modems (Rockwell Protocol Interface or Return Product
Imidiately, depending on who you ask :> ). These do not have error
control or data compression built into the modem and require software to
do that. This can cause quite a few problems (especially when the
software is buggy) and seriously limits what you can use the modem for.
In general I'd recommend avoidign these RPI modems at all cost, even if it
seems like they'll do everything you need them to at the moment, things
change and these modems may not work in the future, plus in general
they're cheaply made with little or no tech support to back them up. That
being said, for the non-RPI modems there is very little difference.
Unless you've got really crummy lines or need to use the modem a LOT (eg
connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or taking 100+ calls a day),
you'll likely see very little difference between a really cheap non-RPI
