modems-faq

使用efax的fax工具程序

V.2.    How useful is a fax modem?

A fax modem may not be as useful as you'd think. (Personally, I don't find fax 
modems to be useful or reliable. But I know people who can't do without their 
fax modems.) Fax modems are good for sending, but not receiving fax. You may 
still need (or want) a fax machine even if you have a fax modem.

Fax machines are easy to use. Fax modems are not. Anyone that knows how to use 
a phone can learn to use a fax machine within a few minutes. A fax machine 
will work no matter what kind of computer you have. It also doesn't matter 
what operating system or environment you are running on your computer.

To use a fax modem, you may need to use a (sometimes more than one) software 
program. I use DOS, Windows, and OS/2 on my PC. The DOS software for the fax 
board is clumsy and hard to use, the Windows software is easy but unbearably 
slow. (A two-page resume took about 10 minutes to send with the fax board. I 
can print it out and send it with a fax machine in less than 3 minutes.) And 
the machine locked up many times while I tried do something else. (If you use 
Microsoft Windows, you should know that unrecoverable application errors are 
not gone. They are called general protection faults in Windows 3.1)

If you need to fax a printed document, you'll need to have a scanner to get it 
into your computer. To print out a fax received by your fax modem, you'd need 
a printer. Also,  your computer needs to be on to receive fax.

However, there are several advantages for using a fax modem (if you can live 
with its shortcomings):

1. You won't have a paper jam if you're faxing a multi-page document.

2. The software for fax boards are more flexible and versatile. A fax board 
can be a life-saver if you regularly fax the same document to several people.

3. You don't have to print out the document you want to fax if it's generated 
with your computer. And the quality is better.

It's worth noting that many documents that are faxed should be sent by e-mail. 
(A high-tech employment agency recently asked me to fax my resume and then had 
it re-typed into the computer. I suggested that I sent the resume by e-mail, 
but they didn't use e-mail.)

VI.     Profiles of High-speed Modems

Here are profiles of some high-speed modems. The list is not comprehensive, 
nor is it intended to be. Unless noted otherwise, the street price quoted are 
from PC Connection (800-243-8088) in PC Magazine (5/26/92). PC Connection 
generally does not offer the lowest price, but the service is excellent. I 
have dealt with PC Connection and MacConnection (800-800-4444) for years and 
have yet to be disappointed with their services.

Unless noted otherwise, a V.32/V.42bis modem supports V.32, MNP2-5, 
V.42/V.42bis. And a V.32bis/V.42bis modem supports V.32bis, MNP 2-5, 
V.42/V.42bis. Some units also support MNP 10 which is developed to overcome 
the hostile environment (such as celullar phone lines).

Some of the units mentioned here are fax modems.

VI.1.   ATI 9600etc/e

ATI Technologies is well known for their video adapters. But they also make a 
V.32/V.42bis external modem. It is a generic high-speed modem that works well. 
PC Connection is selling the ATI 9600etc/e at $369.

I have been using an ATI 9600etc/e for more than a year now and I am very 
pleased with it. I will not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

There are two things I really like about the ATI modem:

* It has a slide volume control on the outside so you can easily  adjust the 
volume by hand.

* It has factory settings for three different modes: V.32 only, V.32 with 
MNP5, V.32 with V.42bis. It is very convenient if you need to initialize the 
modem in different ways.

VI.2.   CompuCom SpeedModems

As we mentioned earlier, CompuCom SpeedModem Champ offered a lowcost 
alternative to PC users. CompuCom also made modems that implemented the V.32 
and V.32bis protocols in addition to its proprietary protocol. Since CompuCom 
is no longer in business, it's probably not a good idea to purchase a CompuCom 
modem now.

VI.2.a. Champ

The SpeedModem Champ is a 9600 bps high-speed modem with CompuCom's 
proprietary CSP modulation protocol. It is introduced in early 1991. The 
CompuCom Champ is supported by hundreds of BBS in the U.S., including 
heavyweights such as EXEC-PC and Channel 1.

VI.2.b. Storm

The SpeedModem Storm is a dual-mode modem. It supports both CSP and 
V.32/V.42bis.

VI.2.c. Star
The SpeedModem Star is also a dualmode modem. It supports both CSP and 
V.32bis/V.42bis.

VI.3.   Hayes Modems

Hayes used to be the leader in the modem market. The Hayes SmartModem 1200 and 
2400 have been the industry standards for many years. However, Hayes has not 
been as successful in the high-speed modem market.

VI.3.a. V-series Smartmodem 9600

Introduced in 1987, this is a high-speed modem that supports the proprietary 
Hayes Express 96 modulation protocol. The V-series Smartmodem 9600 is still 
available from various mail order vendors. There is also an internal unit 
called V-series Smartmodem 9600B.

VI.3.b. Smartmodem 9600

Introduced in 1988, the Smartmodem 9600 is a V.32 modem. It does not support 
any error control or data compression protocol. Don't confuse this unit with 
the V-series Smartmodem 9600.

VI.3.c. Ultra 96

Ultra 96 is a dual-mode modem from Hayes. Introduced in 1990, the Ultra 96 
supports both V.32/V.42bis and the Hayes Express 96 modulation protocol. Ultra 
96 has many unique features that are not needed if you are calling BBS or 
online services. The current street price is $669.

VI.3.d. Ultra 144

Ultra 144 is a dual-mode modem that supports both V.32bis/V.42bis and the 
Hayes Express 96 protocol. The current street price is $799.

VI.3.e. Optima 96

Optima 96 is a plain vanilla V.32/V.42bis modem. This is Hayes' answer to the 
"generic" V.32/V.42bis modem. The current street price is $389.

VI.3.f. Optima 144

Optima 144 is a plain vanilla V.32bis/V.42bis modem. This is Hayes' answer to 
the "generic" V.32bis/V.42bis modem.

VI.4.   Intel Modems

Besides the 80x86 CPU, Intel also makes many peripherals for the IBM PC. The 
Intel modems are solid products that perform well. The new SatisFAXtion 400 
and 400e are priced aggressively to compete with the low-cost units offered by 
other vendors.

VI.4.a. 9600EX

The 9600EX is a V.32/V.42bis modem.

VI.4.b. 14.4EX

The 14.4EX is a V.32bis/V.42bis modem. PC Connection is selling the 9600EX for 
$469 and the 14.4EX for $549.

VI.4.C. SatisFAXtion 400 and 400e

Intel's original SatisFAXtion is arguably the best fax modem in the PC market. 
Intel recently introduced two V.32bis/V.42bis fax modems - the SatisFAXtion 
400 and 400e. The SatisFAXtion 400 is an internal unit for IBM microcomputers. 
It carries a list price of $499. The SatisFAXtion 400e is an external unit 
(with a list price of $549).

Both the SatisFAXtion 400 and 400e support Group3/Class 2/CAS fax at 14400 
bps.

VI.5.   Microcom modem

Microcom is a major modem manufacturer. However, Microcom products are not 
normally sold through retail stores or mail order companies.

MicroPorte 4232bis

As the name suggests, the MicroPorte 4232bis is a V.32bis/V.42bis modem. It 
also supports MNP 10. The MicroPorte 4232bis is a pocket modem (the unit 
measured 4.5x2.75x1.5 inches). The MicroPorte 4232bis lists for $899.

VI.6.   Practical Peripherals Modems

Practical Peripherals has been making Hayes-compatible modems for many years 
(it's owned by Hayes, by the way). The Practical Peripherals modems are 
compatible with the Hayes Ultra modems. Since the Hayes Ultra modems are 
supported by most communications software, you wouldn't need to worry about 
configuring the software to work with the Practical Peripherals modems.

VI.6.a. PM9600SA and PM9600

The PM9600SA is a V.32/V.42bis modem. It is designed to be compatible with the 
Hayes Ultra 96. That means you can tell your communications software that you 
have a Hayes Ultra 96. However, the PM9600SA only responds to a subset of the 
commands supported by the Hayes Ultra 96. Any commands specific to the Hayes 
Ultra 96 that are not implemented in the PM9600SA will be ignored.

Some early PM9600SA units have quite a few problems connecting to other V.32 
modems. (Make sure you send in the warranty card.) Practical Peripheral has 
since sent out several ROM upgrades and the current shipping units seem to be 
working fine.

Practical Peripherals also makes an internal modem that features a 16550 UART. 
You can get the PM9600SA for $289 and the internal PM9600 for $275. Both 
PM9600SA and PM9600 now come with a lifetime guarantee.

VI.6.b. PM14400FXSA and PM14400FX

The PM14400FXSA ($399) is an external V.32bis/V.42bis modem. PM14400FX ($359) 
is an internal unit. (Both of them come with a lifetime guarantee.) The modems 
come with QuickLink II. I'm currently testing a PM14400FX. It seems to work 
O.K. (However, the speaker died after a week of usage.)

The PM14400FXSA and PM14400FX support Group 3/Class 1 fax at 9600 bps.

VI.7.   Prometheus Modems

Prometheus modems are available from many Macintosh mail order companies. 
Until recently, Prometheus is the only manufacturer that makes high-speed 
modems with fax capability.

VI.7.a. Promodem 9600 Plus

Promodem 9600 Plus is a V.32/V.42bis modem. It can also send and receive Group 
III fax at 9600 bps.

VI.7.b. Promodem Ultima and Ultima Home Office

Prometheus Ultima is a V.32bis/V.42bis fax modem. It can also send and receive 
Group III fax at 9600 bps. The Ultima Home Office adds voice capability. PC 
Connection sells the Ultima Home Office (internal) for $489. MacConnection 
sells the Ultima Home Office (external) for $489.

VI.8.   Supra Modem

Although Supra is not be a household name, it's a major vendor in the market 
for Commodore Amiga.

SupraFaxModem V.32bis

Supra announced the SupraFaxModem V.32bis at the Fall Comdex last year. With a 
suggested list price of $399 (without software), the SupraFaxModem became one 
of the most anticipated product in the past 6 months. However, Supra did not 
ship the product on schedule. The SupraFaxModem was supposed to ship in 
January but was delayed until March. There were also some problems with the 
early units. If you're buying the SupraFaxModem, I'd recommend you purchase it 
from a vendor that offers a money-back guarantee. (This recommendation applies 
to all the inexpensive V.32bis modems.)

The SupraFaxModem V.32bis supports Group 3/Class2 fax.

VI.9.   Telebit Modems

Telebit makes several modems. The prices quoted for the Telebit modems are 
their new list prices.

VI.9.a. TrailBlazer Plus

$849. Introduced in 1985, the Trailblazer has been the de facto standard in 
the UNIX UUCP and Usenet communities. With the new pricing, you should 
consider the T2500 or the T3000 instead of the TrailBlazer Plus if you need to 
connect to a Telebit PEP modem.

VI.9.b. T1000

Introduced in 1988, the T1000 is the little brother of the TrailBlazer Plus. 
The T1000 supports PEP at a slower speed. The actual throughput is about 9600 
cps. The current list price is $699. Unlike the TrailBlazer Plus, the T1000 
does not have callback or password security.

VI.9.c. T2500

$949. Introduced in 1989 when V.32 modems started to enter the market, the 
T2500 supports both V.32/V.42bis and PEP. The maximum throughput is 19,200 bps 
due to the limitation imposed by the older Rockwell chipset used.

VI.9.d. T1600

$699. The T1600 is a V.32/V.42bis modem introduced  in 1991. It provides 
builtin support for UUCP and offers password and callback security.

VI.9.e. T3000

$949. This is a V.32bis/V.42bis modem. If you need PEP, you can upgrade the 
T3000 to a WorldBlazer (see below).