So you still have a 14.4 modem! That’s being in the stone age. But you are getting there. Getting on the internet is the first step, looking for a modem is the second. You are where you can get the modem of your choice.
Let’s look at the choices you have:
If all you want is a fast data/fax modem, you can get a good solid 33.6Kbps modem for under $50.
If you want a faster modem, you can get a 56K modem for a few dollars more.
What? This is not fast enough! Well then look at the ISDN modems. If your Telco does not offer ISDN, then you may soon have another choice of a higher speed modem that works on regular copper telephone lines.
There are Internal Modems and External Modems. The advantage that External Modems offer is the ease of resetting. If your Internal modem hangs for whatever reason, you have to reboot your computer. Not very convenient. But if you have an external modem, then all you have to do is to switch your modem on/off and that resets your modem. No need to boot your computer. Plus all the lights on the panel tell you if data is being transmitted or not. The disadvantage of an external modem is it’s extra cost (usually about 20% more than internal modems. Another disadvantage is that it takes up a serial port.
If you would like to use your modem as an answering machine, you should go for a voice/data/fax modem. They are a little more in price but serves your purpose.
There is also a new type of modem that you can conduct simultaneous voice conversation and data/fax on. Such a modem is called DSVD. You may be surfing the Internet when a call comes in. The modem steps down the speed of the Internet connection but does not disconnect it. The speed decrease is allocated to the voice conversation. When you are done talking to your friend, the modem jacks up the speed automatically.
There are separate modems for Macintosh Computers. Usually they are external though.
Laptops and Notebooks use PCMCIA modems that are generally available in External Form.
You may want to go with a modem that has the Plug and Play feature. Well most of the new modems come with a driver that supports Plug & Play.
Is there a PCI modem? Why PCI modems? Because the current ISA modems take up an ISA slot and the new motherboards are coming up with only two or three ISA slots, the rest being PCI.
Warranty on modems is generally two years but some may have more or less.