Modem Reviews

I have no doubts that this is a great product, if you're running a Windows system or Mac OS 9. But, I found out the hard way that it is (currently) NOT compatible with Mac OSX (I'm running 10.2.3) -- it caused a serious kernal panic forcing me to reboot.
Incidentally, when I booted my system into OS9.2, the card adapter worked beautifully -- I was able to read and write to my compactflash cards very quickly, without a hitch.

I just wanted to alert any OSX users about the incompatibility since sytem requirements are not listed for this item.

The short and simple of it. I love this little item. I purchased a Canon Digital Elph for Xmas, which I love, and after the first time of connecting the camera to my laptop and going through the software jive and taking way toooo long, I went searching for something easier. Now, I take my pictures, pop out the CF card and slip it in to my Antec CF Adapter and then slap that in my laptop and I have instant access to all my images. No software menus to scroll through. As soon as you plug in the CF Adapter card in your PCMCIA slot, it shows up like another hard drive and list all the jpg's you took on your camera. I purchased this adapter from Amazon about 4 weeks ago for [$$$] bucks, a steal. I see they have increase the price a little since no one else was going toe to toe with them in the price arena. Still a great buy for [a little more money].

No need for cables anymore for the laptop- read the CF card like a hard drive - transfer pictures, use for backup of files - anything.

I have 2 PCs at home and just upgraded my broadband from an internal DSL modem (fried after a recent power failure) to a new external cable modem connection. Whereas before I used one PC as an internet proxy server and connected the other PC with a hub, this ...item lets both machines talk to each other at 100base-T speeds and share a broadband internet connection.
Setup was a snap--you connect everything, make sure TCP/IP on both computers is set to DHCP ("automatic"), and reboot the computers. At that point, they're getting their IP addressing from the router, acting as a DHCP server, while the router deals with the ISP. Then you connect to the router's HTML admin interface (NOT an external website, as another reviewer seemed to think), and run though a few wizards. When it's done, you're sharing the connection between both PCs (and with an el cheapo hub, you can add lots more) and a basic hardware firewall provides at least some degree of security.

The printed documentation is just the basics to get you started, the more complete docs are in a PDF file on a CD. Since the full-blown documentation is only 32 pages, this baffles me--is it really cheaper to create a CD instead of printing a 32-page pamphlet?

So far, so good. It's simple yet has a lot of features I might use in the future--VPN support and NAT to name a few. For 40 bucks, it's a great deal.

Recently my wife and I -- who each have a computer -- decided to switch from 56K dial-up internet service to high-speed internet service from our cable company. Because we want to be able to use both computers at the same time we needed a router. We selected the Siemens SS2602 because of Siemens' reputation and also because of the bargain price relative to the price of routers by less well known companies. So far our bargain-priced Siemens router has performed flawlessly and we are quite pleased with it. I should point out that this router is quite versatile: it works with both cable and DSL modems and with both PC and Macintosh computers (my wife and I both use Macintoshes). Highly recommended.

This little box has all the power of a 3com, netgear (3/4times as expensive) or a dlink (twice as expensive).

It only has two ports, but will work with up to 254 computers like a dlink or netgear. I have multiple 2-15 computer networks running off this little box and it's been performing flawlessly.

It's MUCH more friendly than a sonicwall or 3com though a little less userfriendly than a dlink, but any semicompetent tech with a basic understanding of ip and firewalls would have an easy time setting it up if they RTDM (Read The D$*# Manual).

Never needed tech support so I can't say how that is.

All of this is from the point of view of a tech who understands about NAT, firewalls and other semi-basic network knowledge. If you're a novice looking for a simple setup you might be able to get away with this if you Read the instructions, but I'd recommend hiring a tech and saving yourself a lot of trouble if you don't really want to spend time learning about the geek terminology.

This modem has all sorts of incompatibility issues with Windows XP over the USB connection. Mine never powers on when I start my computer, I have to yank out the usb cord and plug it back in each time. Bad driver support as well. The rest of these reviews are very misleading and make me wonder if they were written by people who work for the company. After all the modem has been discontinued

While I don't have the USB version, I can attest to the goodness of the serial version. MUCH more reliable and swift than the INTERNAL 56K modem I replaced. Initial connections are quick and reliable, as are subsequent net-surfing sessions. And it INCLUDES the serial cable (hard-wired), unlike the popular U.S. Robotics external modem I almost bought for much more money (this seems INEXCUSABLY greedy and smug on the part of U.S. Robotics, considering how much more their modem costs!). A great performer and a great value. Its comparative compactness on the desktop does not diminish its power.

I've been searching for a month now for a gaming USB modem that actually does it's job and I found it with SupraExpress. I tried different modems but they all gave such high pings in quake2, this one gives me 150! Downloads never go below 4.0 and websites load up instantly. This modem is definitely the best 56k I used in my 5 years with computers.

I bought the product based on one of the reviews on amazon. I liked the product because of the following reason:
a) easy installation
b) I have t616 sony ericsson and it was able to synchronize with it without any extra software needed from sonyericsson site.
c)very lightweight and sleek.
d) great price
I did not verify the speed it's synchronizing with t616 but it seems fine.
some useful tips:
1) After installing bluetooth in your machine, it's going to show you a bluetooth icon. when you are not using your bluetooth connection, right click on the icon and stop the blutooth device to save power.
2) Right click on the icon will show you bluethooth configuration link, go and setup to communicate with your intended device only to protect your computer from unauthorized use.

Even though the price is cheap, this bluetooth adapter delivers. I bought it from Amazon.com (with free shipping, it took merely two days to be delivered!).

It comes with a free USB extension cable in case it won't fit into your hub/computer with wires next to it (it is rather wide, but the extension cable more than makes up for it). The range is good: about the standard 10 meters (it has full range over the room that it's in).

Integration with Mac OS X is superb; it's merely plug and play for Macs, though I assume it is a lot less easy/reliable with Windows computers.

The one down point of Bluetooth is its low transfer rates: with it interfacing with my Sony Ericsson T616, it has an average bandwidth of 4KB/s. I suspect that it is the phone's fault (as it's not necessary to have very high bandwidth for such small files). Bluetooth's official rate is about 90 KB/s, so this is vastly underperforming.

However, due to the cheap price, free cable, and reliability of the TRENDware Bluetooth USB adapter, I give it 5 stars and recommend it to anyone with a Mac looking for a decent, cheap way to become Bluetooth-enabled.

Wokrs great with my Nokia phone and version 6.2 of the Nokia PCSync software. Automatically detects my phone, even if it's in the other room, 25 ft. away.

I read that some folks said that they did not receive any communications software. I received a CD with my Handspring 33.5 modem that had AvantGo and OneTouch Mail from JP Mobile. I recommend the Handspring Blazer internet browser.... The AvantGo software is free but uses a web-connect hotsync to get your daily off-line web channels. You can get the latest download... for version 4.0. OneTouch email was free and works great for the price. Multi-Mail was bought by Palm and is downloadable.... Free trial periodof 15 days.

The modem was easy to use and install. I use rechargable AAA NiMh 1.2V @ 650mah. I have 12 so when I rundown, I just slip in a fresh charged set. I feel that fax and 56 K is not what I need so the Handspring 33.6k baude is a great price...

The Handspring modem is one of the middle class modems on the market, and Amazon is offering at a great price! If you want to connect to the internet on your handspring at a good price, then this is your best bet. Although it may not be the fastest OR the thinnest in its class, it functions very well. Besides, on a tiny screen with limited content, you don't need to have a 56k modem for the connection to be fast. And, if you don't mind, carrying around an extra half-inch on your palm isn't that bad. You would be amazed with what you can do with a palm pilot hooked up to the internet. On the go, I often synchronize avant-go, connect to AOL anywhere, and browse the web all in the palm of my hand. So, if you want to be truly "connected" then buy this modem while they last.

This modem is awesome! I'm 14 years old and have the targus stowaway keyboard it helps a lot writing emails (and this review) I can also buy things too, it's almost like having a full computer with you all the time. This will help my mom a lot when she needs to work and i want to chat with my friends. (lol) people have written that it was hard but it was simple for me.

I just tried to use this battery pack and it has a problem working with my older HP C200 camera.

i have purchased 1 of these battery packs, because i was going on a vacation and didnt want to carry tons of aa batteries with around all day. when i recieved. my camera model was not listed on the back so i called the people at digicom, who are very nice and helpful they answered all my questions and even helped me when i was having some trouble shooting. i was able to take over 250 shots in a single day without recharging. if all you people are wondering whether or not to get it i say its a must have....

First of all, when I first saw the item, I wasn't sure if it would work with my Digital Cameras. When the item arrived, I was relieved to read on the back of the packaging that it worked for all three of my digital cameras, the Olympus D600L, D620L and the C2500L. So now I have to plan to buy more of them just to have on hand. In my hobby, I have to take my pictures quickly without delay. When I have to stop because the batteries are losing their power and have to switch them, I can lose a crucial shot or two. I detail crash scenes and how we correct the situations cars get into. This item is a must have if you're constantly using your digital to capture those inspiring moments.

Went in without a hitch. Still on V.90 line and performance over the previous TelePath with X2 by US Robotronic is improved. Can't go wrong for the price.

I was looking for a V92 with Modem On Hold that really worked. What I got with the 3025 was excellent speed for a dialup and MOH that worked flawlessly. I believe both the Agere 3025-00-00L and Conexant 3025-00-00C chips were used in this model. I have another machine using the Conexant chip and MOH functions are not dependable. I would definitely recommend the Agere based modem.

I needed a new modem to replace the US Robotics that died in my windows 98 machine. I bought the Zoom model 3025. It claims to have "lightning protection" which is how my old one died. Hopefully I won't have to test that functionality. I have no technical experience, but this modem was very easy to install and run. It took me less than 10 minutes to install. The connection speeds have been consistently stable and fast, it has V.92 and V.44 for increased speed, and the price was [inexpensive]. If you're going to stay with 56K instead of broadband, then this is a good deal.

I have used the AmbiCom CF card modem with 2 PDAs so far (HP Jornada 525 and Dell Axim x5) and both devices were plug-and-play without any problems. I specifically like the AmbiCom card for its slim design. The AmbiCom features a flip-out phone connector which means there is no added bulk on the end that sticks out of the PDA (compare to the Socket CF card modem). Since I normally use this modem card when traveling, this is an important detail for me. The price is also better than the Socket card. As soon as the modem makes a connection, a green control light comes on so you always know when you're connected (PDAs do not have modem sounds enabled, so this is a good thing to have).

There is, however, one thing I like better about the Socket card, and that is Socket's Whereareyou? software which allows its user to program the modem for use in other countries. A definite plus in my opinion, since I do occasionally travel abroad. But I have not used the Socket card, so I don't know how well this software works. As it is, I am perfectly happy with my AmbiCom, even if that means having to get a little more information off the Internet before I travel to a foreign country.

Anyone looking for a reliable, slim-design card at a good price will not be disappointed with the AmbiCom.

I bought this for my Dell Axim X5. I've noticed pretty good peformance, but the documentation and software leave a bit to be desired.

The documentation was one sheet of paper folded in half, with no usage instructions at all.

The UI for the driver is fairly slow, and the usage is a bit weird. My biggest issue is that it doesn't seem to remember AP names and only allows one WEP setting, so switching between networks is tedious.

I just ordered this product a few weeks ago and it works great! I get to surf the internet, send email and download music, movies, and software all on my Pocket PC! The Ambicom CompactFlash Modem gives me good speed for surfing, too! Highly recommended by me!

Once connected, this unit resulted in so much static on the line, that my Tivo could not successfully make its nightly call to download new guide information.

After lots of testing, I found that the unit simply would not work unless it was within about 10-15 feet of the base unit. An amazingly short distance for a device such as this.

I then headed down to the best buy and picked up the RCA version of this device and it has worked flawlessly. An interesting note here - both devices appear to be identical as far as their guts are concerned. In fact, the instructions for both items were identical - the exact same words used on every page.

I am not sure why there was such a difference in performance (perhaps I just got one that was off a bit), but I would suggest you think twice on this item. I was able to return it but had to pay all shipping costs - something you don't have to do if you need to return it to the local store.

I bought this item when I bought my direcTV system with tivo. Standalone Tivo's can be home networked with your broadband connections so it didn't used to matter that there was no phone line nearby...but DirecTV has not enabled that functionality yet so you have to have the receiver plugged into the phone line.

Was very pleased with this product...works fantastic in this application.

This is exactly what I was looking for. I did not have a phone jack by my Tivo and had put off buying one. I was able to install this in about 10 minutes...it only took this long because I put the transmitter upstairs...and it still worked fine.

Most new dedicated fax machines will direct a call to itself or to the phone/answering machine. EVERY answering machine will let you plug the phone into it to take a call. A waste of money for anyone who doesn't have an ancient fax machine they don't want to upgrade.

This device works perfectly! It has many features and modes of operation but here is how I set mine up for basic use: I connect my incoming phone line to the input port, my answering maching w/phone to the TAD port, and my fax machine to the fax port. When a call comes in the Comswitch "picks up" the call on the first ring and listens momentarily for a fax tone. If there is a tone it immediately switches the call to the fax machine and then transmission begins, if it is a voice call it immediately switches to my anwering maching which then begins ringing, working as it usually does with any incoming call. For my answering machine connection, the only difference from before the Comswitch is that there is one addtional ring before the call actually starts to ring on the anwering machine. However, all of this is invisible to the caller. It also is supposed to work with voice mail systems too.

I've got a Canon D680 Fax/Printer on a dedicated phone line. I wanted to utilize this underused phone number as an "info line" for my business with an out-going message on an answering machine. Even though the Canon has some setting for a tel/fax, I was unable to get the answering machine to work with the Canon by direcly connecting the two. Furthermore the Canon instructions said something about you needing to make your outgoing message very short, which I don't want to do.

Enter the ComSwitch 5500.

Plug your hot phone line into the back of the 5500, plug in your answering machine, plug in your fax machine, plug the power into the wall and presto --- it worked perfectly immediately without any tweeking!

Every call routes automatically & correctly to either my fax machine OR to my phone answering machine. The caller can't really discern any switching going on. It's very impressive, and quick.

It comes preprogrammed. If you need to make some changes to it the instructions talk about this but since I didn't need to I didn't even bother reading the instructions.

I recommend the ComSwitch 5500.