external modems

I have a DSL connection and wanted this modem for faxing and back-up to the DSL. I thought it might be too expensive for only occasional use. I have used it for both faxing and dial-up and it really works well. Speed depends on the quality of your phone line as well as your modem. That said, I get consistent 50+k connections. My USR would only do 48k at best. I do think the Zoom was worth the price!
I bought this based on other customer comments and everything they said was true. The modem I received is black and looks different than the picture but I like it.
I hope this helps your decision.

Bar none this is the best modem on the market! As the owner of an ISP I have tested litterally hundreds of different brands and models of modems (most based on the hcf/hsp chipset) and none of them even other name brand modems such as the USR set can hold a candle to this modem. From it's ability to overcome noisy or long phone lines to the fact that even when it's connected at the "same" speed as other modems but gives 20% better through put. Don't even look at another modem buy this one!

Living in the sticks like I do, broadband is nothing but a dream. But it also means I have old MaBells phone lines. Which of course means I consestently log on at 19.2 - 21.6 on my old US Robotics 56k modem. But this new modem powers thru these bad lines. Now logging in at over 40k. Now that's a good thing. One word of advice. If you decide to buy this modem (a worthy investment) don't listen to Amazon with their reccomeditions on cables. DO NOT order Belkin F2J088-06 Modem Cable; DB25M/F; 6 Feet unless you have an old computer (older than say 4 years or more) You need a cable that goes from 25 pin male (modem side) to 9 pin female (computer side). Just thought I'd pass that along