56K Call Waiting Modem

MANUFACTURER : Actiontec
PRICE : $85 US

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The Actiontec 56K Call Waiting Modem made me a bit skeptical. For a bit more expensive than your average 56K modem, the Call Waiting Modem allows incoming calls in while connected to the Internet. Household modems have been around for a while and I would expect the Call Waiting feature be implemented already if it actually worked.It seems as modem makers were not hearing the public’s cries since this is the first Call Waiting Modem.

The modem’s price is a little more expensive than its competitors. ActionTec sells the PCI version for about $99 and the External version goes for about $119. However, using Bottom Dollar search, I was able to find the PCI version for about $80. By the time you read this, Actiontec should be rolling out their USB version which will be selling for about the same price as their External model. Considering the fact that the modem is not a dreaded “win modem” and the Call Waiting feature, the Actiontec 56K Call Waiting modem is a great deal.

Internal modems can be somewhat difficult to setup, but the Call Waiting Modem installed flawlessly under Windows 98. Pop in the modem into a free PCI slot, then insert the driver CD when asked and you are done. None of those vicious IRQ problem here. The manual also includes an install guide and setup program for non-plug and play operating systems such as Windows NT and Linux. Both V.90 and 56K Flex standards are supported in this modem, but be sure to check with your ISP before buying.

The software bundle is very limited. The bundle comes on four CDs. Two of them are the America Online and CompuServe 2000 trial CDs; each with "free 100 hours" offers. The drivers CD and a collection of trial programs make up the other two. The drivers CD included drivers for the entire Windows variant: 3.1/95/98/NT. Importantly, it also has OS/2 and Linux driver support.

Performance is very solid. Download speeds were fast for a 56K modem. I was able to download the 33 MB Quake3 Test file in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, which was averaging a constant 5 KB a second. I also tested the modem’s gaming performance using Myth II, Starcraft and Quake 3 Test. Speed wise, performance was once again fast for a 56K modem. I experienced minimal lag throughout my Internet games. Your experience with the modem might also vary depending on your ISP speed.  However, during one of my Starcraft games, I was timed-out when someone called even though I did not pick up the phone. The workaround this problem is the disable the call waiting feature through Actiontec’s small utility program.

The main feature of the modem is of course the ability to handle incoming calls while connected to the Internet. But does it work? We tested it by calling two times from three different locations. All were handled perfectly as expected. After someone calls you, you have a couple choices.  You can ignore it and after five rings, it will stop ringing.  Another choice is to pick up the phone and see who it is. Once you do pick up the phone, you then have approximately seven seconds to either continue talking or just hang up. If you plan on talking, it will disconnect you. Hanging up before the seven seconds will resume your connection to the net.  

Those with two lines or other fast connections will find no use for the Call Waiting Modem.  But for a $100(or less, depends on where you buy) price tag and an easy installation, the Call Waiting Modem is a must buy for heavy online users with only one phone line.