Help me pick a external 56k serial modem

[zapjb]

I have a internal winmodem. Doesn't work for linux.

Had a US Robotics Courier V.Everything External 56K Modem. Worked great in PCLinuxOS & XP. Bought it used on ebay for <$14. Lasted a month & a half. Oh well. I figure it was about 8yrs old. New they sell for $250. Ain't going that crazy.

So I need another external 56k serial modem.

What should I get? Budget is $20 or less delivered.

Heres my ideas in order of preference. I'll cite condition & price I can acquire. And a link for product, for descriptive purposes only if available.

#1 - Best Data 56SX92 SmartOne 56Kbps External Serial Modem - New for $20. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825138103

#2 - Zoom 56K dual mode external modem - Used for ~$15.

#3 - US Robotics Courier V.Everything External 56K Modem - Used for ~$15. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825104004 Newer model pictured.

I think I have to go for the new Best Data. Otherwise the used ones are 4-9yrs old. What do you think? Any better deals? Thanks.

[Virtualbody1234]

Can't you get an internal non-winmodem?

[lynx]

The links you gave are both out-of-date, the Best Data modem is now $28.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825138103

There's only one that's under $20:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825180013

There's also this one at $21.99 with lots of happy linux users
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825137104

[smiggy]

I'm in the UK, so I can't really help for you, but for UK readers of this thread... For dial-up emergencies and incoming call logging, I use a Pace 56 Voice external. Caller ID works great. I also have two Courier V.Everythings for use in emergencies. I used to use a Courier for call logging, but it turned out to be not very reliable after a while - I read about some hardware problems with newer revisions. They crop up on ebay ocasionally: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140131389429

[zapjb]

Can't you get an internal non-winmodem?
Whats the price difference, $5-$10? And the benefits of an external - separate CPU, PS. Unless you know of better reasons for an internal & a link? My mobo is an ASUS A7N8X VM/400.

@lynx - links were just for descriptions. Place of probable purchase isn't goood for that.

Probably between the Amigo & the Best Data.

But still open to suggestions.

[zapjb]

I got a good deal on a Zoom 3049 Fax Modem 56k V.92 Serial 3049-00-09C. Supposed to have the best lightning protection of any modem of it's kind. Considering lightning is the #1 killer of modems, my US Robotics got killed by lightning & I live in the lightning capital of the USA. I'm sure I made the right choice. Hopefully I'll get it by midweek.

http://www.zoom.com/products/dial_up_external_serial.html

Model 3049CF - PC V.92 56K Modem
Includes Serial cable, includes Windows communications and fax software. The Model 3049CF is RoHS Lead free compliant.

The Zoom/Modem V.92 External Model 3049CF is a high performance 56K fax modem that plugs into the serial port of a computer using Windows, Macintosh, LINUX or UNIX operating systems. It also works with any device that can provide RS-232 signaling for Transmit, Receive, Ground. The 3049CF is ideal for use with point-of-sale devices and dumb terminals which do not provide DTE signaling. Robust power handling features including protection against brownouts and power glitches make this modem suitable for unattended remote applications.

Conforms to new, higher performance V.92 and V.44 standards
Extended Status Reporting with indicators for V.92 connection and Modem-On-Hold
Advanced Power Handling protects against brown outs and power glitches
Caller ID support
On-board Controller and DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
High quality voicemail
Supports V.80 video standard
Features ZoomGuard™ lightning protection

[lynx]

All you need now is an ISP which handles those features and you're laughing.

[zapjb]

In fact I had to switch ISPs. My previous ISP doesn't support Linux. Thats FN insane!

[peat moss]

@ zapjb your lucky you can switch as some are stuck with one .