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From: bruce@ccavax.camb.com (Barton F. Bruce)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: New Modems
Message-ID: <37457.27496ef2@ccavax.camb.com>
Date: 20 Nov 90 21:59:14 GMT
References: <9Naus3w163w@isishq.fidonet.org>
Organization: Cambridge Computer Associates, Inc.
Lines: 30

In article <9Naus3w163w@isishq.fidonet.org>, evanc@isishq.fidonet.org (Evan Champion) writes:
> I was planning on getting myself a US Robotics Courier HST/Dual Standard, as 
> ...
> I like the Dual Standard's 14.4KB, and with v.42bis (I think) that 

If all you are going to use it for is to call other such NON-STANDARDS based
modems, the 14.4 mode is fine, but V.32bis is HERE even though the standard
may not be 'finished'. 

You can get modems today that HAVE v.32bis, and you can get v.32 modems that
have a simple guaranteed upgrade (proms) to v.32bis. There are many v.32s
being sold that will NEVER be upgradable. If they can guarantee you that they
will upgrade your modem to v.32bis for a modest price, then you *may* have the 
right modem. Else, I would worry some more before buying a non-standard
(though popular) modem. 

It isn't just what will be in use in the next few months, but what will be
most usable over the next few years that most people worry about when buying
modems. 

V.32bis with v.42bis is what you will want until v.32ter (or whatever)
surfaces. Another problem is that even 38.4kb is not enough now, and, unless
you are using a good uart, 38.4 may not work well in many PCs.

There are v.32bis w/v.42bis modems that wholesale probably well below
$700. That means a good 'street' price may not be that much more. I expect
the not-upgradable v.32 class modems to be super bargains in the immediate 
future. Some are already very inexpensive (they KNOW what their stuff is 
worth...). I remember paying over $2500. for 1200 baud cards when they first
came out. Modems and their pricing always changes, but you can't wait forever.