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From: robbins@blackfin.rice.edu (Thomas Robbins)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm
Subject: Re: 2400 Baud V.42bis modem
Message-ID: <1991Mar2.223909.18624@rice.edu>
Date: 2 Mar 91 22:39:09 GMT
References: <1991Feb28.005456.25118@midway.uchicago.edu> <1991Mar1.162259.21075@santra.uucp>
Sender: news@rice.edu (News)
Organization: Rice University
Lines: 49

In article <1991Mar1.162259.21075@santra.uucp> a38856b@puukko.hut.fi (Petri Aukia) writes:
>Scott> I am planning to buy a 2400 baud modem. I have seen a review of
>Scott> several modems in MacUser. The Zoom 2400 baud V.42bis modem
>Scott> seems to be the very best value. The V.42 modems were the
>Scott> absolutely fastest modems when connected to another V.42 modem.
>Scott> However, all of this MNP and V.42 stuff is useless unless the
>Scott> other end support this stuff. So, this is my question: How many
>Scott> services support these protocols? Does compuserve support them?
>Scott> Does it cost extra? How about the dial-in lines at Universities
>Scott> etc. (Like the U. of Chicago.)? 
>Scott> 
>Scott> Is it just wasting money to buy a $179 V.42 modem when a $99
>Scott> 2400 baud modem is available? (Please don't suggest I buy a 9600
>Scott> baud modem unless you know of one in the same price range.) 
>Scott> 
>Scott> Thanks, Scott
>
>	Don't, and I repeat, Don't even consider buying the Zoom V42. I thought
>that it would be a good deal, but now $35 poorer from trans-Atlantic phone-
>calls, I don't recomend dealing with MacProduts U.S.A. Their latest explanation
>is that they won't get any before the end of april. This was after waiting
>for over a month to get the modem. MacP U.S.A. doesn't answer their phones, and they don't reply to messages in their answering machines. Besides, you need to
>buy a separate modem cable (hardware handshaking) that costs $17 from MacP 
>U.S.A. 
>
>+------------------------------------
>I   a38856b@Puukko.hut.fi [ Petri Aukia]

I have just received a Zoom V.42 bis modem, and have been very pleased with
the hardware, though displeased with the software. I bought it directly from
the company (Zoom Telephonics) with cables and software for $241. I was miffed
to see the modem on sale from MacLand for $199.

The company did take one month to deliver it to me, due to their order-taker
talking "Balmforth" for "Broadway" in my address. When called, they were
very helpful, and finally FedExed it to me.

The software (QuickLink II) sucks, since it crashes on my Mac IIsi. I wonder
if they will refund part of my purchase price...

Summary: Do buy the modem, from MacLand; don't buy the software.

--

--
Tom Robbins                   | "No, it's 'Blessed are the meek.'  I think
robbins@owlnet.rice.edu       |  that's nice, 'cause they really have a hell
Senior, Chemical Engineering  |  of a time."     
Rice University               |  - someone in the crowd in "The Life of Brian"