GN9209-4.TXT Issue #22 GIF News Page Four - September/October 1992 Hsiao & Hunter, Inc. ====================================================================== \/ _____ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ |\ /| |\ /| | / | | \ | \ / | \/ | | \/ | | ----- ---- |--- |---< |---< ---- | | | | | ___/ | |___/ |___/ ___/ * GIF News distribution site * Member of Skynet, 63 Conferences, 4000+ files * Wilcat! 3.50M * OS/2 File Section * Two Nodes * * Running on two USR 16.8 kbps Dual Standards * Node 1 (914) 297-2915 * Node 2 (914) 297-5623 /\ ====================================================================== _______________________________ > < > Supra FAX modem v.32bis < >_______________________________< Review by Ken Goldenberg ------------------------ I remember my first modem. It was 300 bps and was one of the first direct connect modems I'd ever seen. I was impressed that some bbses supported 2400 bps . 14400 bps may seem similarly unobtainable to many people now, but with its latest offering's street price of around $300, Supra may just change that. I purchased the external version for the Amiga, which is bundled with a serial cable, the aging A-Talk III terminal software, and GP FAX software. The bundle runs about $70 more than the bare modem, but the fax software alone is worth the additional cost. Setup of the modem is pretty typical of any high speed modem. If you've never used a 9600 bps modem before, you can plan on spending a little time with the manual. Luckily, it's quite good. Users familiar with 9600 bps modems will probably be up and running after a glance or two at the quick reference card. _________ >__FAX__< I liked the idea of being able to fax things to work, and the GP FAX software does a really good job. The program multitasks cleanly, has an AREXX port, and sports a slick, intuitive interface. The program can convert ASCII test to fax documents, or intercept data that is sent through the PRT: device. In this manner, I create a document in PageStream, and faxed it to a Sharp F0-4900 plain pare laser fax. The output was unbelievable. I'll still use the copy I printed on a LaserJet as a master, but the fax was the sharpest thing I've ever seen roll out of a fax machine. Ever. I am only aware of two problems with the software. First, you can only run one copy of it at a time. If you have any plans to buy more than one FAXmodem and send more than one fax at a time (you want to fax urgent information to 80 offices ASAP) then you'll have some trouble. There was also reportedly some trouble between GP FAX and Final Copy. GP software is aware of the problem and is supposedly working on a fix. ____________ >___DATA___< Okay, the fax capabilities are nice, but you want a modem for more than the fax and the neat LEDs on the front panel, right? Well this is a v.32bis modem, and when connected to another v.32bis modem you can expect transfers of over 1600cps over good phone lines. The Supra modem I used seemed slightly more sensitive to bad line quality, but I have notoriously bad wiring in my apartment. The manual's suggestion: use AT&T if you're having problems with line noise. The modem supports v.42bis as well, MNP 2-5 and supposedly MNP 10, which is used for SEVERE error correction (such as cellular communication). I don't know anyone else with MNP 10, so I can't confirm this, but a rumor flying around the Internet is that the current Supra 14.4's do not support MNP 10, and may never be upgraded to do so. If MNP 10 is a requirement of your next modem, I suggest confirming its presence before purchasing the Supra. Supra has promised to release free ROM upgrades to all registered users (the latest promised date is late August). I have had no serious problems with this modem after three months of normal use and would recommend it to anyone interested in a low cost modem. ===================================================================== \/ ****** Attention Internet Users ****** Try the fastest menu program available for MS-DOS machines. Written in assembly to be blindingly fast. Very versatile and easy to configure with included setup program. To try it out today: FTP to cc.usu.edu Login as 'anonymous' and use your userid as the password Type 'cd incoming' Type 'bin' Type 'get fastmenu.zip' When done, type 'bye' to quit out of FTP and use a transfer protocol to send fastmenu.zip to your PC. Fast Menu program by InterSpect Productions. Shareware. /\ =====================================================================