Here's the scoop on v.92 (copied and pasted): ____________________________________________________ "What is V.92? V.92 is a new dial-up modem standard from the International Telecommunications Union that introduces three new features that improve dial-up modem connections to the Internet. The new features are called Quick Connect, Modem-on-Hold, PCM Upstream and V.44 Compression. What is QuickConnect? QuickConnect shortens the time it takes to make a connection by remembering the characteristics of your phone line. When your modem tries to connect there is usually 20-40 seconds of "squawking" as the modem figures out the optimal speed to use. QuickConnect can reduce this negotiation time significantly, getting you online faster. What is Modem-on-Hold? Many people use the same phone line for phone calls as they use when connecting to the Internet. When you are connected online your phone calls don't get though. Modem-on-hold allows you to receive an incoming phone call without disconnecting from the Internet. You take the call and when you hang up the modem resumes the internet connection. This works in reverse, you can use the phone briefly while connected and keep your modem connection when you hang up. The modem provider provides a software application that controls this feature. Calls must be short (16 minutes or less), and you need to have Call Waiting from the phone company on your line for this feature to work. What is PCM Upstream? PCM Upstream is a faster data rate between your computer and the internet for uploading files. In previous "56K" modems the download speed is almost twice as fast as the upload speed. PCM Upstream increases the upload speed potentially as high as 48Kbps which will make uploading files, or sending large e-mails faster. What is V.44 Compression? V.44 is a new link-layer compression standard based on technology developed by Hughes Network Systems. V.44 offers better compression than the V.42 standard used in earlier modems. V.44 will speed up the download of compressible files like HTML and e-mail, typically by about 25%. If you regularly connect at 44Kbps V.44 will make the connection feel more like 56Kbps. What V.92 modem should I buy? As of late 2002, V.92 is in the "beta" stage of testing between modem companies. This technology is young and just like V.90 when it was first introduced you should expect initial problems and frequent modem firmware upgrades. A large number of companies claim that they will support V.92 products. There are a number of modems already for sale but not all are compatible or interoperable with all V.92 equipment yet." ____________________________________________________ Pretty cool, hey? You should note that at this time v.92 ISP's aren't as plentiful as v.90, but the numbers are increasing. Also, you MUST have a v.92 modem in your machine for this to work. I have a Zoom/Hayes Accura. For further info: http://modemsite.com/56k/v92.asp http://w3.meer.net/v92-faq.html http://www.v92.com/
It seems clear that v.92 is the way to go. Currently my dial-up modem is external - and a few years old. Any upgrade advice regarding external vs. internal?