The Cutting Edge: Computing / Technology / Innovation : Take Time to Pick Faster Modems

In the age of the information highway, that most humble of computer accessories--the modem--is suddenly assuming a very big role.

It’s the modem that provides the essential link between the personal computer and the wonderful world of cyberspace: An inadequate one can render the fanciest PC no more useful than a machine half its price.

For that reason, when it comes to modems, I set aside my general view that it isn’t necessary to buy state-of-the-art hardware. A faster modem can save you a lot of time and money, and reliability is essential.

The most important characteristic of any modem is its speed. Measured in bits per second, the speed determines how much data your modem can transmit and receive in a given period. Many computers sold in the last couple of years have modems that operate at 2,400 bps, but there are some big advantages to getting a faster modem. It pays to get a 14,400-bps modem and to at least consider one of the new 28,800 models.

Anyone who uses an on-line service or computer bulletin board to transfer files to their computer will soon come to appreciate the value of a faster modem. With 2,400 bps, it would take about 11 minutes to transfer a 200-kilobyte file from one computer to another, while a 14,400-bps modem could transfer the same file in less than two minutes. If you’re paying for an on-line service by the minute, a high-speed modem can pay for itself very quickly.

In theory, higher-speed modems can deliver even better performance, since many use data-compression techniques that can boost speed by a factor of four. As with gas mileage, your actual performance will vary depending on a host of factors, such as the quality of the phone line and the software.

Even if you don’t transfer files, you’ll appreciate the benefits of a faster modem. Most commercial on-line services now display graphics, including drawings, icons and even color photographs. Graphic images take up a lot more storage space than text, and you won’t be able to see any changes in the display until all the data gets to your PC.

Before you go out and buy the fastest modem you can find, be aware that the extra speed won’t do you any good if the modem on the other end of the line can’t keep up. The commercial on-line services always lag behind state-of-the-art because it costs a great deal for them to upgrade their own equipment and network infrastructure. Prodigy and America Online, for example, can’t communicate any faster than 9,600 bps. CompuServe has 14,400-bps service in some communities, but others are limited to 9,600 or even 2,400.

Most services plan to add support for 14,400 bps and 28,800 bps sometime in the next year or so. But until they do, you’ll get no benefit from using a modem that exceeds the service’s highest speed. Some private bulletin boards, which are often operated by individuals, already accommodate 28,800-bps modems.

How fast you can connect to the Internet also depends on what’s offered by the company you use as a service provider. If you use the Internet and wish to take advantage of the graphics offered by the World Wide Web, you’ll want the fastest connection possible. Many Web sites display color photographs, and some even have sound and video clips, which take up even more storage space than graphics. The White House’s new web site, https://www.whitehouse.gov, for example, displays photos of the First Family, a visual tour of the White House and even a meow from Socks the cat. Compatibility is a very important issue, but the good news is that there are now international standards to use as a guideline. When buying a 14,400 modem, look for the “V.32 bis” standard. If you get a 28,800-bps modem, you should seek out V.42. These V.42 modems are just hitting the market, so be careful: Some dealers may still be selling older modems that don’t meet the new standard.

Expect to pay at least $250 for a name-brand 28,800-bps V.42 modem, compared to about $100 for a similar 14,400. Unless you have immediate plans to use a service that actually supports 28,800 bps, you’ll save money going with 14,400 now and buying a faster modem a few months from now when prices will be much lower. Because 14,400-bps modems have been around for a while, it’s pretty safe to buy a no-name model. If you buy state-of-the-art, it’s generally wise to get a name brand such as Practical Peripherals, Hayes or U.S. Robotics.

Another issue is whether to go for an external, internal or PCMCIA modem.

You save between $30 and $50 by getting an internal modem, but you have to take the machine apart and hope it doesn’t interfere with any other boards inside your computer. If you have a notebook computer with a PCMCIA slot, you can get one of those credit-card-size modems that plug right into the side of the machine. They’re more expensive but a lot more convenient.

Buying a Modem

* Speed: Don’t buy a modem below 14,400 bits per second (bps). But before spending more money for a 28,800-bps modem, be aware that most on-line services don’t currently operate at that speed.

* Standards: Look for the V.32 standard for 14,400 bps, or V.42 for 28,800 bps.

* Fax capability: Most modems can send and receive faxes. Look for Class 1 or Class 2 compatibility. Either will communicate with most standard (Group 3) fax machines.

* Internal or external?: Internal modems are less expensive, but external ones give you status lights and are easier to install. PCMCIA modems, which plug into a slot on most new notebook computers, are convenient to use while on the road.