Specifications

The List

V.90 56 Kbps ITU standard
3Com x2TM technology 56 Kbps
V.34 33.6 Kbps ITU standard
Compatible with ITU and Bell standards from 56 Kbps down to 1200 bps
V.42/MNP 2-4 error control
V.42 bis/MNP 5 data compression
V.42/MNP V.80 videoconferencing support
Faxing: Class 1 and 2.0 Group III 14.4 Kbps send and receive
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.x, and DOS support
5 year limited warranty: free parts and labor coverage, factory repair or replacement

System Requirements

IBM compatible 486 DX or Pentium processor with an available 2.1 PCI slot
56K compatible local analog phone line
V.90 56K ITU standard or x2 ™ technology capable service provider

In the Box

3Com U.S. Robotics 56K PCI internal faxmodem
RJ-11 phone cord
Installation Guide
Activision Heavy Gear II CD
Activision Civilization: Call to Power CD
Ordering instructions for an additional Activision game
Ordering instructions for an exclusive Quake III: Arena deal
Installation CD for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0

Notes

The modem specs don't really tell us much about how this modem is specialized for gaming. Just looking at the modem's features, it appears to be a regular V.90 56kbps modem with a generous Activision game bundle.

The modem package includes Heavy Gear II(Nat gave the game a good review, which is impressive considering that it seems like he microwaves every other gave we give him.) and Civilization: Call to Power.

The package also contains a 5x7 order instruction sheet for an additional game, including free shipping and handling. You have a choice between the full versions of Heretic II, Jack Nicklaus Golf 6, Asteroids, or a "Special Edition" (read: OEM) version of Soldier of Fortune. There's also a special 24.99 Quake 3 Arena, full edition offer which also includes free shipping and handling. Note, these games will take 4-6 weeks to ship.

The only other noteworthy item in the specs is the system requirements listing. Notice that the modem only requires a 486 DX system. This is a dead giveaway for a hardware modem. Most software modems often require p133 or faster processors. Why are hardware modems important? Read on and find out!