It doesn't get any simpler.
Written: Jun 08 '00 (Updated Mar 06 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Durable, Reliable, very well built
Cons: Sometimes it challenging to hide it.
The Bottom Line: Great Modem for the price and Value
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| harleyds's Full Review: 3Com U.S. Robotics Faxmodem 56K Analog Modem (81-0... |
What’s there to tell about the 3Com 56K External Modem? This was a purchase decision made by my companies Purchasing Department. They chose a standard then kept with it. A pretty good choice if I might add.
The installation is a snap. Open the box, rip all the contents out and put it all together. Everything from an extra phone cord, software and power adapter is included. You do need to purchase a serial to parallel cable though. The parallel end connects to the modem (24 pins) and the serial end (9-pins) connects to the back of your computer. Most people will chose to run the CD for the installation, but I do not. Why? I like to run the “Add/Remove Hardware Wizard”. Why do I use this method? It works. Every workstation I have attached this modem to continues to run perfectly with out any issues with the drivers Windows comes loaded with. My theory, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. The toughest part of installing this modem is where to hide the physical modem and how to organize the cables so they don’t look so messy.
Performance
The 56K External take a beating at my company. Our Support Center uses them for a variety of tasks. Several of out Helpdesk staff are require to page alerts to other support personal, so their modem is used at least 5 times every day. Dial up, send the message, disconnect and wait for the next set of instructions. Other people use them so simple dial up. Either way, these modems get far more used and abused than the average household person can even think of.
Nice Features
One of the best features on this modem is the volume control. A thumb wheel on the left side allows you to turn the volume up to loud, or all the way down to silent. Some people ask why do you even need it on loud? This is probably carried over from the old 1200 baud modems that did not have a volume setting either hardware or software based. Plus if you have an ISP that takes forever to connect to, just turn the volume up and go do something else. When all the squeaking and squelching stops, then you are probably connected!
Clearly labeled telephone ports. This may not seem like a big deal, but some people need these large pictures to tell them which port is supposed to be connected to the wall verse the extra phone.
Not So Nice Features
Finding a place to hide it.
Overall
I really like this modem. The one I was given at work has lasted over 2 years and besides being extensively used, left on every day, dropped, stepped on and kicked multiple times (accidentally), it performs like a champ.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
harleyds
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Member: David
Location: Sunrise, FL
Reviews written: 39
Trusted by: 33 members
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