Text 80, 49 rader
Skriven 2004-08-24 23:35:03 av George White (2:250/501.3)
     Kommentar till text 72 av Robert Bull (2:250/501.4)
Ärende: WinModems
=================
Hi Robert,

On 22-Aug-04, Robert Bull wrote to All:

 RB> I just bought a refurbished Thinkpad, advertised as having a
 RB> modem.  I was exasperated to find that on this corporate-quality
 RB> laptop, the modem was only a WinModem (though I suppose Suits only
 RB> have to call in for Internet e-mail).

Seems to be the norm for built in modems. Given the model number there
is lots of info on IBM sites, sorry I don't have addresses though.

 RB> What are the implications for Fidonet software?  Am I going to be
 RB> completely stuck, and definitely have to use a real modem?

 RB> I deliberately chose this older laptop because it has what are now
 RB> being called "legacy ports," including serial and parallel ports.
 RB> One of the serial ports appears to be taken up by the (Lucent
 RB> Technologies) WinModem but the other is free.  Therefore I can use
 RB> a real modem.  ATM my US Robotics V.everything of some years age
 RB> has a worn telephone socket which requires continual wiggling to
 RB> make contact.  I discover that USR still make real
 RB> "controller-based" external modems, though they're a bit coy about
 RB> admitting that such modems can be used with DOS.  Most of the box
 RB> shifters seem to only have them on special order but at least they
 RB> should be obtainable.  Meanwhile I hope to contact USR's support
 RB> line to see if I can get a repair.

I was browsing in PC World on monday killing time while my dad was at
a hospital appointment, and they had at least 4 different serial V90
modems on the shelf.

a) USR Faxmodem at œ49.99
b) Zoom 3049    at œ44.99
c) Sitcom       at œ39.99
d) Phonic Pro   at œ29.99

Of these only the Zoom said on the box that it could be used with
terminals or non-Windows operating systems, but that the supplied
software was Windows only (it gave access to the added features).
Anyone heard of Sitcom or Phonic Pro? Anyone any comments on modem
choice? I have to get a V90 modem...
(Comments about not being seen anywhere near PC World _not_ required
<g>)

George

--- Terminate 5.00/Pro 
 * Origin: George's Country Point (2:250/501.3)