Reviewed by: dtday on 02-Nov-05 Rating:

Strengths:PriceEase of use

Weaknesses:None

Summary:The U S Robotics modem I received has been great for my needs. It is external yet small and that seems to be what I needed in order to work with other external moden which are in use at my business and cannot be changed. The price was right and it is very simple to hook up and ever easier to use. Over all I am very happy. Thank You!

Reviewed by: MidnightRambler on 22-Dec-04 Rating:

Strengths:quality, connection stability and speed, appearance, flash update capability, web site resources

Weaknesses:high price, tech support, no serial cable included, fragility

Summary:Given a choice, practically everyone who surfs the Internet with any regularity would prefer broadband to dial-up. There is no comparison between the download and upload speeds offered by both. Yet, because of the current cost difference ranging from $10 and up, the turtle (dial-up) is still preferable to the hare (broadband) for those with certain needs. For instance, those who surf only intermittently or log on merely to download and send e-mail don\'t need blazing speed. In addition, an always-on broadband connection encourages and enables hackers to invade machines. So for those like myself who\'ve chosen to forgo broadband and remain with dial-up, at least until broadband prices drop further, a good quality analog modem is essential.

After browsing various modem \"techie\" forums, I learned that hardware (controller) based external serial modems with flash memory provide a much more robust environment that will last much longer and that they are recommended. \"Winmodems\" were said to hog system resources because they rely on Windows to mediate their serial communication (I/O address, COM port, IRQ, etc.) and USB external modems, apparently don\'t perform as well (as serial modems). Regarding brands, the consensus was that US Robotics (USR) modems are the de facto industry standard.

Given this advice, I purchased an USR 5686E V.92 analog modem \"new in the box\" from an eBay merchant. Although I\'ve used it for only a week, I couldn\'t be more pleased with it. USR boasts a two-year limited warranty. The package included: USR 56K Faxmodem (Black), AC Power Adapter, RJ-11 phone cord (7ft.), Quick Install Guide and Installation CD-ROM. Unlike Creative\'s Modem Blaster DE5621, however, a serial cable is not included but they\'re readily available. I chose a Belkin-branded cable.

Installation was simple. After plugging in the analog phone cords (line and phone) and cables (power and serial), I ran the Installation CD-ROM to install the driver and utilities via Windows\' \"Add Hardware.\" In addition, the 5686E\'s firmware is flash updateable via the modem\'s automated update utility (ControlCenter) or a stand alone flasher available for download from USR\'s support site. Also desirable is an onboard volume knob to control the unit\'s squealing.

Reviewed by: tspollard on 16-Jul-04 Rating:

Strengths:dependable, easy to use and maintain

Weaknesses: sensitive to power surges

Summary:We are a small business with five computers on the network and only one phone line for dial up internet. We originally purchased modem in Oct. 2003 and has worked great, enabling all five users to be on the internet at the same time and still process info relatively fast. We have saved money on the cost of phone lines by using this modem and a router in unison. Due to lighting damage to our network we are replacing old modem with new and we are purchasing this model again due to its good past performance.

Reviewed by: SVY00959 on 30-Jan-04 Rating:

Strengths:Well designed, many options, very dependable in maintaining connections.

Weaknesses:A little slow in making an initial connection.

Summary:Overall, this is a very fine 56k modem. It comes complete with a very helpful control panel that enables easy access to many modem diagnostics and controls. However, better explanation of updating procedures and use of the handy control panel would be very helpful.