Posted: December 26, 1999
Written by: tapped

Specifications

Compatibility:

V.90 56 Kbps ITU standard and x2TM technology 56 Kbps
V.34 33.6 Kbps ITU standard
Compatible with ITU and Bell standards from 56 Kbps down to 1200 bps
V.42/MNP 2-4 error control, V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression
V.42/MNP V.80 videoconferencing support
Faxing: Class 1 and 2.0 Group III 14.4 Kbps send and receive

System Requirements:

IBM compatible 486 DX or Pentium processor with an available 2.1 PCI slot
56K compatible local analog phone line
V.90 56K ITU standard or x2 tm technology capable service provider

Standards and Protocols:

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.x, DOS
V.90 56 Kbps ITU standard
3Com x2 56K technology
V.34 33.6 Kbps ITU standard
Compatible with ITU and Bell standards from 56 Kbps down to 1200 bps
V.80 videoconferencing support
V.42/MNP 24 error control
V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression
Faxing: Class 1 and 2.0 Group III 14.4 Kbps send and receive

What You Get

Aside from the tweaked technology, what is it about this modem that'd make it stand out? More specifically, say you're a gamer doing a little shopping.... What would make you consider buying this modem, whether you were shopping specifically for a modem or not? It seems 3Com's seen one-too-many video and sound card boxes (who hasn't?), for one. Rather than a plain red and white box bearing the 3Com logo and a simple picture of the product, the carton is adorned with a ficticious game "baddie" who is apparently quite excited about the Gaming Modem, proclaiming, "#1 SELLING MODEM BRAND IN THE WORLD!" Okay, okay! I'll buy you... just put down the rocket launcher! =)

In the box is the modem (of course), a 6" length of what appears to be quality phone line, an installation "poster," and 3 CD-ROMs - one: the drivers and utilities CD; the other two: each a full-version game. Games. A bundle? With a modem? Yes, but a Gaming Modem! 3Com was good enough to include both HeavyGear 2 and Civilization: Call to Power. In addition to these two titles, there is also a coupon with which you can claim a third game. The choices include Heretic II, Asteroids, Jack Nicklaus Golf, or Soldier of Fortune. Even better than three games? How 'bout the full version of Quake III Arena for only $24.95? While it's generally true that software bundles add to the overall cost of a hardware product, video and sound card manufacturers who DO opt to offer game bundles should take note of 3Com's generosity.

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