Looking for a great Modem :-)

[Loony]

Hlo Evrywun

I have bought a two modems in the past few years and found nothing but a
huge mess. The most recent one was ColorFaxLite. It is only a part of a
real fax device. The rest of it is a part of Win 7. That makes a lot of
mess.

My real idea of a fax device is Symantec WinFax Pro. It was external and
relied on the CD - not on a mess in a computer just waiting. I had that
WinFax Pro running for at least 6 years and never had a single problem.
Unfortunately nobody ever tried to modify it a little to reach Win 7.

Anyone know of a self-contained fax modem that does not rely much on
whatever crap is already in the computer.

TIA

 

[Nil]

I have bought a two modems in the past few years and found nothing
but a huge mess. The most recent one was ColorFaxLite. It is only
a part of a real fax device. The rest of it is a part of Win 7.
That makes a lot of mess.

My real idea of a fax device is Symantec WinFax Pro. It was
external and relied on the CD - not on a mess in a computer just
waiting. I had that WinFax Pro running for at least 6 years and
never had a single problem. Unfortunately nobody ever tried to
modify it a little to reach Win 7.

Anyone know of a self-contained fax modem that does not rely much
on whatever crap is already in the computer.

You seem to be laboring under a some misconceptions. Neither
ColorFaxLite or Winfax Pro are modems. They are software that can
take advantage of and control features of the modem hardware
installed in your computer.

I don't know what you mean by "rely much on whatever crap is already
in the computer." The only way the software will work is to rely on
the the "crap" in the computer, that is, the hardware. Are you just
looking for fax/modem program recommendations? Have you tried
Windows 7's built-in Windows Fax and Scan utility?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-fax-and-scan

A Google search finds a few choices. I don't know anything about
them so I can't recommend them.

FaxTalk
Snappy Fax

 

[Paul]

Hlo Evrywun

I have bought a two modems in the past few years and found nothing but a
huge mess. The most recent one was ColorFaxLite. It is only a part of a
real fax device. The rest of it is a part of Win 7. That makes a lot of
mess.

My real idea of a fax device is Symantec WinFax Pro. It was external and
relied on the CD - not on a mess in a computer just waiting. I had that
WinFax Pro running for at least 6 years and never had a single problem.
Unfortunately nobody ever tried to modify it a little to reach Win 7.

Anyone know of a self-contained fax modem that does not rely much on
whatever crap is already in the computer.

TIA

A FAX Modem, just does the data transmission part. A device like this one
doesn't store any data at all. There's no place to keep a fax in this.
But this is still an excellent modem, if a bit expensive. The price
just keeps on rising.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825104011

*******

This one, is actually cheaper than a US Robotics modem. And
it's a real FAX machine. There is not even a USB connection
for interfacing to a computer. So this will waste paper
and ink, when you are receiving incoming faxes. While on
outgoing, you'd have to print off the thing to be faxed first,
then stuff it in the input tray. There will be no software
CD with this thing, as it's not a computer product.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828115006

*******

Compared to the previous one, this one is amaxing. I expect the
price on this has dropped a lot, since it was introduced.

This one is $70, and has more "computer stuff" to it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113671

"Brother MFC-J425w
Printer SPEC InkJet, Color, 4 seconds per page, 1200 dpi
Copier SPEC 1200 dpi
Scanner SPEC 1200 dpi (optical)
Fax SPEC 6 seconds per page, fax memory 170 pages
Paper Handling 100 sheets printing
Computer stuff USB, Ethernet, Wifi 802.11b/g/n

Unattended fax, copy or scan using up to 20-page Auto Document Feeder"

The only thing missing on that one, is the kitchen sink. $69.99
At that price point, you get a telephone cord, to connect the
MFC-J425w to your RJ-11 phone jack on the wall. But it is missing
an Ethernet cable, and a USB cable. The line cord, appears to be
a captive one, coming out the side of the machine. If you have a
Wifi router, then you should be able to get the MFC-J425w talking
to the computer through that. But if the software sucks, that
$69.99 box can run all by itself. It doesn't need a computer.

http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/28-113-671-Z06?$S640W$

The reason they can sell them that cheaply, is the "razor blade
marketing model". The ink cartridges are priced, to pay for the
machine eventually. The more you print, the more profit you'll
(eventually) make for Brother. Download the manual and make sure
that incoming faxes don't have to print! It would be in
Brother's best interests, if all incoming faxes were
printed, as it would help burn up those expensive cartridges
faster.

http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?PGID=5&R3ModelID=MFCJ425W

If you install the software, the FAX machine can receive faxes into]
memory, and the computer can be used to "preview" the content.
You can then select "print" at that time. I do *not* see any
mention of transferring the received fax to the computer
hard drive. One of the other manuals, indicates the machine
will receive faxes into fax machine memory, if the paper tray
is empty, and will print them as soon as paper is placed in the
tray. I didn't read all the manuals, but so far, the most
resources you can save, are by using the computer software
"preview" option, which will allow you to look at a screenshot
of the fax. Perhaps you can do a "print screen" at that time,
if you want to save the fax without wasting paper or ink from
the cartridges (that makes Brother some profits)

So if shopping, remember the "razor blade marketing model".
If you only want to view faxes on the computer, they're only
going to give you that function begrudgingly.

The plain-jane modem, really doesn't know a lot about faxing,
but it does have the advantage it will never waste paper
or cartridges. It's just a stinker getting the software working.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825104011

HTH,
Paul

 

[Zaidy036]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825104011

HTH,
Paul

These are the most economical:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164005

and use eFAX free for incoming:
http://www.efax.com/efax-free

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

Hlo Evrywu) n

I have bought a two modems in the past few years and found nothing but a
huge mess. The most recent one was ColorFaxLite. It is only a part of a
real fax device. The rest of it is a part of Win 7. That makes a lot of
mess.

My real idea of a fax device is Symantec WinFax Pro. It was external and
relied on the CD - not on a mess in a computer just waiting. I had that
WinFax Pro running for at least 6 years and never had a single problem.
Unfortunately nobody ever tried to modify it a little to reach Win 7.

Anyone know of a self-contained fax modem that does not rely much on
whatever crap is already in the computer.

TIA

US Robotics (v.92) still makes an external fax modem.
We use them for industrial monitoring systems.
Hundreds of them. It is not tied to any O/S.
Don't bother looking any further. Get the USR v.92.

 

[J. P. Gilliver (John)]

These are the most economical:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164005

and use eFAX free for incoming:
http://www.efax.com/efax-free

Doesn't that impose a premium rate number on those faxing you?
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

.... current law enforcement approaches to stem the flow of drugs only manage
to seize about one per cent of the drug imports... - Professor David Nutt (31
July-6 August 2010)

 

[G. Morgan]

Anyone know of a self-contained fax modem that does not rely much on
whatever crap is already in the computer.

I just use an all-in-one printer for the occasional FAX, with
MagicJack.

 

[Loony]

You seem to be laboring under a some misconceptions. Neither
ColorFaxLite or Winfax Pro are modems. They are software that can
take advantage of and control features of the modem hardware
installed in your computer.

I'm aware of what you wrote but in about 10 minutes I could have
Symantec's modem, and the contents of the CD, installed and running and
it never gave me a problem.

I don't know what you mean by "rely much on whatever crap is already
in the computer." The only way the software will work is to rely on
the the "crap" in the computer, that is, the hardware. Are you just
looking for fax/modem program recommendations? Have you tried
Windows 7's built-in Windows Fax and Scan utility?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-fax-and-scan

Yes I tried and it always bawled for something. I did get one or two
faxes sent a few months ago but it seemed to me to be very laborious.
Nothing like Symantec :-(

If you know of any document that clearly outlines the
windows-fax-and-scan steps to get the prog moving, I would appreciate it.

A Google search finds a few choices. I don't know anything about
them so I can't recommend them.

FaxTalk
Snappy Fax

TIA

 

[Art Todesco]

I just use an all-in-one printer for the occasional FAX, with
MagicJack.

Good idea for an occasional FAX. A friend of mine has a Samsung
all-in-one with the printer part being a laser. He loves it. I have a
W7 machine and I installed a modem. It works just fine and as others
have stated, doesn't waste paper or ink for junk faxes. I generally use
the 'print to fax' feature. If the document is a pdf or whatever, I
view it, click on print and change the printer to fax ... nice .... no
copies to stuff into a fax machine. I've changed the fax directories
(folders) to a place where I want them. But, the one feature I would
like, which apparently my modem doesn't have, is wake on fax or wake on
modem when the computer is in the sleep mode. So, I've lengthened the
sleep time to 4 hours. This is also nice if I have to remote log into
my computer from a friends house, which I actually did yesterday.

 

[Loony]

I just use an all-in-one printer for the occasional FAX, with
MagicJack.

Thanks G.M.

I wish my Pixma MP170 printer had that.

 

[Loony]

Good idea for an occasional FAX. A friend of mine has a Samsung
all-in-one with the printer part being a laser. He loves it. I have a W7
machine and I installed a modem. It works just fine and as others have
stated, doesn't waste paper or ink for junk faxes. I generally use the
'print to fax' feature. If the document is a pdf or whatever, I view it,
click on print and change the printer to fax ... nice .... no copies to
stuff into a fax machine. I've changed the fax directories (folders) to
a place where I want them. But, the one feature I would like, which
apparently my modem doesn't have, is wake on fax or wake on modem when
the computer is in the sleep mode. So, I've lengthened the sleep time to
4 hours. This is also nice if I have to remote log into my computer from
a friends house, which I actually did yesterday.

--- and a free 30 day trial?

 

[Loony]

I just use an all-in-one printer for the occasional FAX, with
MagicJack.

Sounds good G.M., I missed the boat. My Canon Pixma can do emails but
not faxing :-(

 

[Zaidy036]

Doesn't that impose a premium rate number on those faxing you?

Depends on Area Code that is assigned to you by eFAX but most phone/FAX
systems are now one price per month for all calls within all USA and
Canada so A/C does not matter.

FAX from outside USA into USA is same price no matter the A/C.

 

[Loony]

US Robotics (v.92) still makes an external fax modem.
We use them for industrial monitoring systems.
Hundreds of them. It is not tied to any O/S.
Don't bother looking any further. Get the USR v.92.

Seems like I missed all the goodies. I have a Zoom modem that is a
large-thumb-sized piece with a USB connection and it needs fiddling to
set it up. Then I have to muck about with that ColorCrap or, not much
better, the Windows Fax and Scan.

It works but I still want my Symantec - Waaahhh!!!! :-(

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

Seems like I missed all the goodies. I have a Zoom modem that is a
large-thumb-sized piece with a USB connection and it needs fiddling to
set it up. Then I have to muck about with that ColorCrap or, not much
better, the Windows Fax and Scan.

It works but I still want my Symantec - Waaahhh!!!! :-(

It sounds like you are looking for faxing software
and not a modem / hardware.
I cannot help with software. Sorry.

 

[Paul]

Seems like I missed all the goodies. I have a Zoom modem that is a
large-thumb-sized piece with a USB connection and it needs fiddling to
set it up. Then I have to muck about with that ColorCrap or, not much
better, the Windows Fax and Scan.

It works but I still want my Symantec - Waaahhh!!!! :-(

But you and software, don't get along well.

I can dream up possible solutions for you, using virtual machines,
but I bet you'd have a devil of a time getting the stuff running.
I have enough trouble myself, beating VirtualBox into submission
when it comes to USB passthru. It just about kills me, before
I stop seeing error dialogs from the stupid thing. I doubt
you'd put up with that!

The idea would be:

1) Install VirtualBox in Windows 7.
2) Install an ancient OS (say, Windows 98) inside VirtualBox.
3) Using either USB passthru, or perhaps a COM port passthru,
connect the modem to the "virtual world".
4) Receive faxes inside the virtual machine.

*******

If you and software get along so well, you've already paid
for the BlackIce thing. And probably have the downloaded
executable and a license key. Why not keep working on that
little project ?

When I look at the BlackIce site, there is no mention of a license
key. They make it look like you run an InstallShield installer,
and that's all there is to it. (One potential issue I can imagine
here, is if you used their "trial" version, and then tried to install
the purchased version, maybe that would cause the purchased one
to screw up. You'd want to uninstall the trial, or just not
use the trial at all, before trying the purchased version.)

*******

And if you're desperate to fax, a standalone solution (a machine
that doesn't need the computer), will quickly solve all your problems.
And for as little as $50.

Paul

 

[G. Morgan]

Thanks G.M.

I wish my Pixma MP170 printer had that.

I have an old Brother MFC 210-C, I bought two of them new for $100.

Best part is, its a stand-alone FAX machine, the PC does not have
to be on.

 

[G. Morgan]

Thanks G.M.

I wish my Pixma MP170 printer had that.

Got $100? This sucker is a workhorse:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828112186

 

[J. P. Gilliver (John)]

Depends on Area Code that is assigned to you by eFAX but most phone/FAX
systems are now one price per month for all calls within all USA and
Canada so A/C does not matter.

FAX from outside USA into USA is same price no matter the A/C.

Ah. So they just assign you an ordinary number (presumably charging you,
even if not very much, for the service). I've come across companies here
in the UK that provide the service free for you, but make their money by
giving a number that is expensive to call, i. e. not an ordinary number
(usually 070 IIRR).
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

I believe the cake has got to be sliced up to help those who are needy and
you've got to keep someone there who's going to make the cake. Here we always
destroy the people who make the cake. - Michael Caine (MM), RT, 7-13 Nov 2009.

 

[Loony]

Thanks again Paul for rescuing me again

But you and software, don't get along well.

I got along 100% with my Symantec. After I inserted the CD, and made a
few minor changes, it worked by itself.

I can dream up possible solutions for you, using virtual machines,
but I bet you'd have a devil of a time getting the stuff running.
I have enough trouble myself, beating VirtualBox into submission
when it comes to USB passthru. It just about kills me, before
I stop seeing error dialogs from the stupid thing. I doubt
you'd put up with that!

True!
About 4 or 5 months ago I bought a new ASUS motherboard with the
intention of setting up my old Win2K with the VirtualBox. I was not able
to do it because I could not install Win2K on that motherboard.
I tried many times and I had many helpful suggestions, including yours
Paul, but it never started. It is still waiting until I get the time to
try again.

The idea would be:

1) Install VirtualBox in Windows 7.
2) Install an ancient OS (say, Windows 98) inside VirtualBox.
3) Using either USB passthru, or perhaps a COM port passthru,
connect the modem to the "virtual world".
4) Receive faxes inside the virtual machine.

*******

Just now I tried to look for the VirtualBox that I started way back.
I started a search and immediately Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager opened
up and asked about a download. I said yes and it did download Version
4.1.10 but it has problems installing. It tried several times without
success. Does the VirtualBox need a real hardware modem?

If you and software get along so well, you've already paid
for the BlackIce thing. And probably have the downloaded
executable and a license key. Why not keep working on that
little project ?

I found that company very unpleasant to deal with. I do have the serial
number for it. I asked for the licence a few times and had no response.
I'll have another try soon. There may be a single human left in the
company.

When I look at the BlackIce site, there is no mention of a license
key. They make it look like you run an InstallShield installer,
and that's all there is to it. (One potential issue I can imagine
here, is if you used their "trial" version, and then tried to install
the purchased version, maybe that would cause the purchased one
to screw up. You'd want to uninstall the trial, or just not
use the trial at all, before trying the purchased version.)

I have paid for the prog and asked them over and over to get rid of that
continue/purchase crap that it starts off with. No response.

*******

And if you're desperate to fax, a standalone solution (a machine
that doesn't need the computer), will quickly solve all your problems.
And for as little as $50.

Paul

I wish I had known this a few months ago. It would have saved me much
bother and large amounts of time. Then I would have had a sale of the
rubbish left

Thanks again Paul.

PS, I will have a look at your other post higher up in this thread soon.