U.S. Robotics 005686-03 56K V.90 External Fax Modem

by USRobotics

Product Details

Product Manual [1.32mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00001RMEB
• Item model number: 005686-03
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,287 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Many people swear by external modems, claiming they offer faster, smoother connections than their internal counterparts. Although we've found in the past that internal and external modems tend to perform similarly, after testing the 3Com 56K Faxmodem we are inclined to agree. It offered rock-steady connections that software-based internal modems can't match and outperformed most of the internal modems we've tested in terms of speed.

The hardware has features that competing products lack, like seven status lights, a volume dial on the side, and an on/off switch. 3Com has printed a list on the bottom of the modem showing what the status-light abbreviations mean (like "CD" for carrier detect). A row of DIP switches on the back might intimidate novices, but they're preconfigured, and the settings are also listed on the bottom of the modem.

The included software nicely complements the hardware. Extras like fax software and PKZIP (for compressing large files before sending over the Net) are nice, and the configuration software is excellent. Installation in Windows 98 was practically automatic. All we really needed to do was connect the modem to the PC and plug it in. The software took care of all the behind-the-scenes dirty work.

Our performance tests indicated that the 56K Faxmodem's internal hardware makes for terrific speed. It consistently matched or exceeded the connection speeds, transfer rates, and latency reported by other external modems we've tested.

If you're purchasing a modem based solely on price, take into account the fact this product doesn't come with the requisite RS232 serial cable. Most users will need to purchase a special cable with a 25-pin connector on one end for the modem and a 9-pin connector on the other end to interface with a PC serial port. Aside from this oversight, the U.S. Robotics 56K Faxmodem is a quality product worthy of your attention. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Fast, solid connections
• Doesn't use the computer's CPU
• Excellent software package
• Plenty of status lights
• Quality construction

Cons:

• No serial cable included
• Relatively expensive

Product Description

Refurbished 00568603 US ROBOTICS 005686-03 56K EXTERNAL MODEM

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fast, affordable, & reliable modem, August 16, 2000

By 

"borderc" (Sonora, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Robotics 005686-03 56K V.90 External Fax Modem (Personal Computers)

I was having trouble with disconnects from my ISP (almost every 10 minutes) and they told me that my modem, a Rockwell HCF 56K, was notorious for disconnects with them. A reliable modem is important to me because I run a business here on the web, and when I need to do something I don't want to be disconnected. After shopping around I decided on getting a 3Com US Robotics External 56K Faxmodem. Installation of the modem was extreamly easy...just hook it up, restart the computer, and plug in play does the rest. I had to change my connection properties to use this modem though, but that was also simple. After dialing up I was amazed at the speed. With my old modem, it usually downloaded files at 2 to 3.5 Kilobytes a second (I know that is very bad, but that's how it was), and now my new modem downloads at 4 to 7 kilobytes a second! An amazing improvement! And I haven't been disconnected once.

When you buy the modem you will also have to buy a cable, since it doesn't come with one. My cable is a Belkin DB9 Female/DB25 Male Modem Cable. This modem is a great choice, probably the best.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Modem I've Ever Had, August 2, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: U.S. Robotics 005686-03 56K V.90 External Fax Modem (Personal Computers)

"There are two types of modems: US Robotics and everything else..."

PROS: Install is a breeze (it's great when Plug and Play really works). Connect speeds between 48000 and 52000 everytime (with no init string!). Great modem manager software.

CONS: It did not come with a serial cable.

I'd recomend this modem to anyone.

23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The professional modems of choice, May 13, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Reading) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Robotics 005686-03 56K V.90 External Fax Modem (Personal Computers)

Since 3-Com and US Robotics got together they have given us top of the range modems. Both the internal/external voice/fax are all of a high standard. I've used these modems for about 3 years and not one has given me trouble. They have all been rock solid.

I want to make a couple of points though. Firstly there is NO difference between internal and extrenal modems in terms of speed. They will operate at the same performance. External modems do give you the benefit of seeing the activity on the LEDs and you also save an ICQ aswell as a PCI slot. You MUST make sure you tune your Com settings in device manager though. You may have your modem set to 57500 kbps but your com port is usually setup by default as 9600. Bump this up to allow for higher download speeds!

Also if you presently own a 56K or even 33K modem and have an ISP line you will not notice too much difference in your download speeds. The factors are more on your line quality and time of day (ie number of users online) to determine the speed of your downloads etc. Normally with an ISP you will get 4-5Kbps bandwith. However I have used 3-Com 56K modems on better lines with more bandwith and always get closer to 56K. These are the modems of choice and you wont find much better.