Fax 56K V.92 USB Modem Ext To RJ11 Adapter

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I just received this modem and gave it a try. People like me who require a dial-up modem -whether because broadband is too expensive, or just plain unavailable -have it rough when it comes to using the Internet. With built-in modems (and serial ports for old-fashioned external modems) becoming more and more rare in pre-configured desktop systems and laptops, the need for external USB modems (such as this item) will continue to exist, as long as broadband remains expensive and unavailable in some regions.

This is a good modem for those using Windows. With Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 3, the modem was detected without a hitch; however, the included driver CD was required to complete the modem installation. You can also download the drivers using a computer already connected to the Internet, and transfer the file to the computer for which you are setting up this modem.

With Windows 7 (Home Premium, 64-bit), installation is more plug-and-play. Just plug the modem in, wait for Device Manager to automatically set the modem up, and that's it -no installation CD required, no fuss.

Speed with XP and Win7 matches the best I've gotten with a dial-up modem (28.8kbps is my top speed with this phone line, and I get that speed with this modem as well).

As for Linux (Ubuntu 10.04, 32-bit), things didn't go so well. The driver was not detected at all (which was no surprise to me, as in the Windows setups the word "SoftModem" came up -not good for Linux machines), and the modem was useless.

The indicator lights on the modem baffle me. There are two lights -a "power" light, and an "online" light. While idle and unconnected to the Internet, the power light remains lit... constantly. When connected to the Web, the online light stays lit at all times. The power light serves as a data-transmission indicator... or so it seems. The thing is, the light blinks when there's data passing through, sometimes it is lit solid when there's data passing through. When there is no data passing through, the light my blink, or it may just stay lit. Sometimes it blinks slowly, sometimes quickly. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the indicator, so I tend to keep an eye on my modem activity via the taskbar and connection status applet.

One interesting thing to note about this modem is that it comes with a retracting phone cable. I'm used to getting plain-Jane phone cords with modems, so having one around the house available that's a snap-back is nice.

Another (more important) note: The install CD that comes with the modem is a mini CD, so it is too small to use in most standard optical drives -you will need one with a spindle that "grabs" discs. I would be afraid to use it in a "floating" tray-load drive. It absolutely will not work in your standard slot-load drives. If in doubt, get the drivers now, load them onto a cheap flash drive, and have that ready when it comes time to install.

Overall, I give this modem a mild recommendation. The price is OK -you could get a USB hardware modem that works with Linux for about this price. There really is nothing "special" about this item, but it works with Windows XP and Windows 7 with no headaches. Whether it is built to last remains to be seen. I'll update this review somewhere down the line and let you know if and when it finally gives up the ghost. The device touts a 5-year limited warranty, but we'll see (I don't have a lot of faith in warranties).

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The modem worked perfectly. The operating system automatically recognized the modem once I put it in the USB drive. Haven't had issues with the modem...wish I could say that about my dial up provider.

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I have an iMac 10.6.

The (mini) install CD would not fit in the drive. I had to download the drivers/software from their website.

The drivers/software crashed my computer: causing a startup freeze.

I had to erase the hard drive and reinstall the system.

It is not listed ANYWHERE that the software is NOT 10.6 compatible; not even in the owner's manual. In fact, some of the websites list it as 10.4 and up. I did not find out until I contacted the product tech support that it is only 10.4/10.5 compatible.

So warning to all: Not Mac 10.6 compatible!

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I have a program "pc anywhere" that connects office comp to home comp through landline phone cable. Both computers were older. When my home pc failed I had trouble getting a laptop with an internal cable modem. Rather than have to get a whole new program, this external adapter has worked great. The only problem is if I disconnect the adapter, I have to reload the program software again to recognize the adapter..so I don't unplug it.