U.S. Robotics 005699-00 56K PCI V.90 Internal Winmodem

by HP

Product Details

Product Manual [307kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00001RMED
• Item model number: 005699-00
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,281 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

The 56K Winmodem PCI is an unassuming device that rises above the competition thanks to its excellent software. 3Com has been in the modem business for over a decade now, and their expertise in the field really shows.

3Com's modem setup differs from most internal modems' we've tested in that their software completely automates the process and guides users step by step. By following the concise instructions, we had the modem installed and configured within minutes. 3Com provides more than the excellent installation software, though, throwing in a fax package and useful Internet tools like PKZIP (for compressing big files you want to send over the Net).

Once we were connected to the Internet, it was easy to check on the modem's status using the included 3Com Modem Manager software. It displays the modem's activity (just like the front panel of an external modem), the current connection rate, a real-time performance graph, the length of time connected, and how much data has been sent and received.

A Diagnose button brings up helpful information when trouble strikes, and the software keeps a log of phone numbers dialed. The 56K Winmodem PCI is upgradable via software patches, and checking for new upgrades is as easy as clicking the Update button in the Modem Manager.

In our tests, the modem never failed to achieve a connection, and dropped connections were always the fault of the ISP or our browser software. Its reliability was offset by connection speeds and transfer rates that were slightly lower than some external modems we've recently tested. Downloads accordingly took a little more time, and latency in online games was higher. Still, the 56K Winmodem PCI performed well for a Winmodem, and the software bundle makes it one of the better units of its kind on the market. If a Winmodem is what you're after, this one is definitely worth consideration. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Simple installation
• Excellent software
• Relatively inexpensive
• Software is upgradable

Cons:

• Reliant on CPU
• Works only with Microsoft Windows and NT
• Performance is only average

Amazon.com Product Description

The Web offers businesses and families a range of resources no one could imagine only a few years ago. But to see detailed graphics and lifelike motion built into today's most advanced sites, or to hear near-CD-quality sound, computer users need the fastest downloads possible over analog phone lines. Now the V.90 U.S. Robotics 56K Winmodem PCI gives Windows users faster downloads for a more exciting, rewarding online experience.

When you plug the Winmodem into your PC, just a few clicks get you online. The modem's PCI interface "introduces" itself to your computer without any effort from you. Then the Windows operating system makes the necessary adjustments to get you going. And it gives you even better performance than modems that aren't made to work specifically with Windows.

With the Winmodem PCI and your ordinary analog phone line, you can click through more Web pages in less time. 3Com's exclusive line-probing technology finds the potholes in your connection and tells your provider's equipment how to avoid them. So the latest weather maps, live audio broadcasts, and even video clips come to you at the highest speed possible on your line.

The V.90 U.S. Robotics 56K Winmodem PCI adds even more value to the user's Internet experience with the Connections CD-ROM software collection that comes with every U.S. Robotics modem. It's jam-packed with all the communications, fax, and Internet access software you need. It has complete and sample programs for work, home, and entertainment; special offers; and 3Com support information. The Connections interface makes exploring and using its features quick and easy. The disc also includes 3Com Modem Manager--an easy-to-use tool that shows you the progress of your connection, send and receive speeds, and the details of your last call.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not really worthed, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: U.S. Robotics 005699-00 56K PCI V.90 Internal Winmodem (Personal Computers)

This modem came in with my Dell Piii550 and, I must admit, I amnot really satisfied by it. Although I didn't encounter any problems with windows drivers, this IS a winmodem and therefore won't work under linux. In addition, I can never get a better connection than 45.2k (may be due to noisy phone) line and, last but not least, pings for online gaming are high. You can get faster hardware modem that you can use under linux for a cheaper price.