Wouldn't touch it.. (Modular Technology HCF PCI Internal)

Name: theman_uk_2k

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Modular Technology HCF PCI Internal
Date:	26/08/01 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very cheap

Disadvantages: Missing hardware, Drains resources, Slows multitasking

There is a reason why this modem is so cheap: it is missing some hardware (they are called many names: soft modems, winmodems, software modem, HSP etc.). This modem relies on the systems' processor to do all the work, which means it can be a performance drain. On the latest computers this drain mightn't be noticed unless you are doing some serious multi-tasking though.

This type of modem is offered with nearly all new systems and sometimes doesn't come bundled with drivers, which can be a hinderance if you have a problem and have to re-install them. It will be compatible with almost all systems with the right drivers, but I wouldn't use it on slower machines if you multi-task a lot (like I do).

Alternatives that used to be too expensive have now become a lot cheaper, which means they can now be more of an option. ISDN 64k isn't much different (except if you have poor connection speeds because of bad line or suchlike), but does offer connection at 64kbps every time. ISDN 128k is twice as fast, but is not offered by many 24/7 ISPs, and if you are on a pay-as-you-go ISP (1p/min or similar) this can prove costly because they charge you for two connections at the same time (because 128k ISDN is 2 64k connections). 24/7 ISPs offer access from around £8-20 a month for the home user.

An increasingly popular connection is broadband cable or ADSL. They offer 512k/s connection speeds and 256k/s upload speeds. Also, with ADSL the phone line can be used for phone calls at the same time as data connections, but with cable a separate line must be fitted. These services are offered from £25/month upwards and are also 24/7.

My advice is, if you are a regular internet user and can afford it, get a broadband connection, but if you are only a casual user, stick with your 56k modem.

Summary: