Xref: utzoo comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware:2515 comp.dcom.modems:7037 Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!apple!vsi1!octopus!pete From: pete@Octopus.COM (Pete Holzmann) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware,comp.dcom.modems,uk.misc Subject: Re: Wanted: Advise on a modem for my PC. Message-ID: <1990Oct24.142824.23134@Octopus.COM> Date: 24 Oct 90 14:28:24 GMT References: <6758@suns401.cel.co.uk> <1990Oct23.063532.21901@robobar.co.uk> Reply-To: pete@octopus.COM (Pete Holzmann) Organization: Octopus Enterprises, Cupertino CA Lines: 40 ronald@robobar.co.uk (Ronald S H Khoo) writes: >In article <6758@suns401.cel.co.uk> njm@cel.uucp () writes: >> Are there any very strong reasons for not getting an internal modem? > >Yes. Many. They are a mistake. >1) it can be damn near impossible to debug difficult connexions without > the blinkenlights But on a PC, there are freebie TSR programs available that simulate the lights! >2) Their serial interface is builtin, so > 2a) You are at the mercy of whatever serial chips, etc they use, > and its compatibility with the software you're driving it with. > 2b) [Restating the same thing] True! Although (2) below sometimes eliminates this problem. Seems to depend on how the modem hardware is set up. On the other hand, there are a few significant advantages to internal modems, in certain situations: (1) Cabling is rather easy [nice for novice users] (2) [On certain modems] No hassles about hardware handshaking. The modem *knows* whether or not your program has grabbed the data. If you have a high-speed modem with end-to-end flow control, this completely eliminates the need for a fancy serial chip. (3) [Most important of all, if it applies] There are no power supply hassles. Your PC's power takes care of the modem as well. The nicest thing about a laptop is that it has a built-in UPS! Add an internal modem and you have a PC that won't go off-line when the power goes out. You also won't be stuck when you travel overseas. Rather nice. Pete -- Peter Holzmann, Octopus Enterprises |(if you're a techie Christian & are 19611 La Mar Ct., Cupertino, CA 95014 |interested in helping w/ the Great UUCP: {hpda,pyramid}!octopus!pete |Commission, email dsa-contact@octopus) DSA office ans mach=408/996-7746;Work (SMI) voice=408/985-7400,FAX=408/985-0859