This was originally published on August 12, 1995. It's funny how quickly we moved from an analog to digital world. It's funnier that people still call their DSL routers a modem.

Affordable Speed .. Oh, Sweet Speed ..

The world of technology always moves faster than we can keep up. Most of us are lucky if we can leapfrog a generation of technology to keep up. One area where technology slows enough to allow us to keep up is modem technology. For the longest time, 300 baud was the fastest you could buy. The early 1980s ushered in the speedy 1200 baud access, quickly followed by 2400 baud. The standard stayed at 2400 baud while many companies argued over a 9600 baud standard. By the time a 9600 baud standard was established, it was surpassed by the 14.4 standard. For years 14.4 remained the fastest access available over typical phone lines. Early this year a standard was established for 28.8 access. As Jim Carey would say, "Smokin . . . ."

US Robotics has long been a player in the modem market. When standards stood still they were always the first to push the envelope and move the market forward.  When the 28.8 standard approached, US Robotics seized the market by being the first company to offer an affordable, standard, 28.8 modem. This gem of a modem is called the Sportster. The name fits this product.

The unit we reviewed is the External Sportster 28,800 Data/Fax. The box itself is a little smaller than a typical paperback book. It has a sleek design only interrupted by an on/off switch and a bank of LED lights. The back of the modem sports the connection for a 25 pin serial cable, a set of dip switches, the data line in and a phone line out. Oh, there is also a radial dial type switch on the side to control speaker volume. This is a nice touch that many external modem manufacturers ignore.

One of the best features about this modem isn't the speed or hardware, but the documentation that shows very novice users an easy way to install the modem. I wonder why it took so long to get easy to follow documentation like this! At the end of the manual is a super visual troubleshooting guide standing ready to assist when you need it.

After installing the modem you have the chore of installing the software that accompanies it. The only downside of this package is the choice of QuickLink ][ as the terminal program for DOS and Windows. QuickLink ][ also supports faxing through Windows and DOS as well. I say downside, because QuickLink ][ is a very user unfriendly program. Barely functional at what it does, a normal, novice user will have definite trouble using the QuickLink ][ products. Hmmm, you'll notice there is a brochure included upgrade to QuickLink Gold . . .

Getting past the QuickLink ][ issue you'll notice that the Sportster uses the typical AT command set. This is a benefit, because 90% of the terminal programs in existence become available to you. Another technical achievement is the use of V.17 Group III faxing at 14,400 BPS. At this speed your faxes arrive as quick as technically possible.

OK, so how fast is this modem? Faster than Beattles reunion tickets would sell if John reappeared. If you are used to using 14.4 modems and you do 20% file transfers and 80% text access you’ll see some improvement. If you transfer more files and spend more time on-line you’ll really see a difference. To appreciate the time savings imagine being able to download an hour’s worth of files in a half-hour. Do you watch .GIF or .JPG files paint slowly across your screen now? How about seeing the pictures run life across your screen as your download at 28.8? You could swear you were watching a slide show . . .

After your initial fascination with the speed is over you can delve into the software that is bundled with the modem. Included are free trial accounts with Genie, America On-line and the Imagination Network. These trial accounts can be converted to real accounts by simply signing up on-line.

The Sportster should be your 28.8 modem choice for home or business. Not only is it a solid performer, but it is backed by the industry leader US Robotics with a 5 year warranty.

US Robotics
7770 North Frontage Road
Skokie, IL  60077-2690
Voice: (800) DIAL USR
URL: http://www.usr.com/

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