Features:
- Easy USB installation
- Macintosh and PC compatible
- Data/fax
- Flash ROM upgradable
- 56K ITU standard (V.90), K56flex
Description:
Most people never consider upgrading the modems that came with their systems. Installing a new modem is usually tricky, and the results are rarely worth the trouble, especially if you already have a 56 Kbps modem installed. But all that has changed since the introduction of USB modems. These external devices are simple to install and tend to outperform similar devices that use older interfaces. Diamond Multimedia's sleek SupraExpress USB is a small external modem that surpassed our expectations. The SupraExpress USB lacks many of the bells and whistles we're used to seeing with standard, external serial-port modems. It weighs only a few ounces and has only four lights on the face of its USB modem: one shows the modem is on, one tells if the phone line is currently in use, and the remaining two blink if the modem is either receiving or sending data. It's a simple layout that's useful and easier to decipher than the external modem codes of the past. As stated, setting up the modem is a snap. Just connect a standard phone line to a wall jack, snap the other end into either of the two ports on the back of the modem, and attach the included USB cable to your PC or Mac. You then can connect a telephone to the other jack on the back of the modem if you need one. Many other external modems require you to attach a telephone to them before they'll work. You might be surprised when you see there is no power cord. Like many USB products the SupraExpress doesn't need one, as it draws power directly from the PC through the USB cable. Our computer was running when we attached the modem, and Windows 98 immediately recognized the hardware. The SupraExpress USB replaced an older 56 Kbps ISA modem, and the results were stunning. Average data transfer rates more than quadruple those of the old modem. With the old modem, we were unable to join many online games because it produced high latency, but lag was slashed with the SupraExpress USB. We were able to enjoy every online game we tried. If you're buying this product based on specifications listed on the box, be aware that some of them are incorrect. This modem does not support distinctive ring when used with Windows and it doesn't support either caller ID or distinctive ring when attached to a Mac. If your current 56 Kbps modem crawls around the Web, takes an eternity to download files, and frequently loses its connection (as our previous modem did), the SupraExpress USB may alleviate those problems. We highly recommend it to anyone with a USB-enabled computer. --T. Byrl Baker Pros:
- Supereasy installation
- No need for separate power supply
- Small footprint
- Smooth performance
- Works with USB-equipped PCs and Macs
Cons:
- Poor printed documentation
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