PC User Net Guide: Buying a modem

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Buying a modem

Austel approval Speed Ease of use Warranty and support Pass-through phone plug 9-pin and 25-pin serial plugs Telephone sockets Extra features

Going shopping for a new modem? Follow our buyer's checklist and you won't go wrong.

Austel approval

It's illegal and dangerous to use a modem which has not been approved by the Australian telecommunications authority known as Austel.

To browse the World Wide Web, your modem must have a data speed of at least 14.4kbps (kilobits per second), although we recommend nothing less than an 28.8kbps modems. However, 33.6kbps models are now dirt cheap and are worth every penny in smoother browsing, faster 'downloading' of files from the Internet onto your computer, and for trying some more advanced Internet features such as Net phones.You can certainly look at one of the new 56Kbps modems -- but make sure it is easily and cheaply upgraded to the official 56K standard whenever that is ratified. Meanwhile, make sure your ISP uses the same technology -- either K56flex or X2, currently the two competing technologies -- to ensure you get better than 33.6Kbps download performance.

Ease of use

This covers everything from the documentation to modem set-up and operation. Pay close attention to the manual -- it should be well written (in English!) and illustrated with a good section on troubleshooting (you'll almost certainly need it!). Check the fax and communications software that comes with it, and if you want to conntect to the Net or change Internet Service Providers, check its bundled ISP access kits.

Warranty and support

Check the length and conditions of the warranty and the availability of tech support -- when it comes to PC communications you're bound to need this sooner rather than later. Most vendors offer telephone support but few have a 1800 or 1300 numbers and fewer still will answer your cries for help outside business hours.

Pass-through phone plug

Unless the modem is to be connected to a dedicated data line, you'll want to have a telephone on the same line, so the inclusion of two modem connection sockets (one for the telephone and one for the line itself) is a definite plus: otherwise you'll have to spend extra on adaptor plugs and cables.

25-pin and 9-pin serial plugs

Older PCs feature a 25-pin COM or serial port, whereas the most newer models and all notebooks employ the smaller 9-pin socket. Ensure your modem has a cable with leads for both configurations. This, like buying a modem without a telephone pass-through plug, is one of life's annoyances which you can do without.

Telephone sockets

Most homes and older businesses have the old yellow four-pronged plug mounted in their wall plate (three prongs of which are active). More recent business installations have an RJ wall plate with the same type of miniature modular push-plug used in modern telephone handsets and found on modems. Look for a modem which has cables and plugs suited for connection to both styles or an adaptor plug which can convert between the two.

Extra features

It's these features -- which which allow you to use the modem for more than browsing the Web -- that mainly contribute to the cost of the modem. All modems come with built-in fax at the standard 14.4kbps fax speed, but some have better fax features than others -- such as auto fax/voice switching for distinguishing between incoming calls or faxes. Common among mid-range modems now is voice capability, which allows you to use your PC as an answering machine, while businesses might be interested in the security features of higher-end modems.

By David Flynn