Apple USB Modem

Infobox Computer
name = Apple USB Modem
developer = Apple Inc.
type = USB modem
photo =
caption =
first_release_date = October 12, 2005
discontinuation_date =
processor =
baseprice = US$49
website = [http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=MA034Z/A Apple USB Modem] The Apple USB Modem is a combined 56 kbit/s data modem and 14.4 kbit/s fax external USB modem introduced by Apple Inc. after the internal 56k modem was dropped on the October 12 2005 iMac G5 revision.

History

Apple introduced its first true modems in 1984, the "Apple Modem 300" & "1200" modems (V21/V22). Prior to that they offered a third party Apple-badged comparatively low-tech Acoustic coupler. Those were followed by the industry standard 2400/data and combined 9600/fax (V29) "Apple Fax Modem" in 1987. Apple introduced the internal 2400 data/fax modem card for its Macintosh Portable in 1989 as well as released its last external desktop "Apple Data Modem 2400". Only standard internal modems were offered during the 1990s through 2005, with the notable exception of Apple's foray into GeoPort passive telephony modems which relied heavily upon the computer's software and processing power rather than dedicated hardware (like Apple's proprietary internal "Express Modem"). The "Apple USB Modem" is Apple's first true external modem since the "Apple Data Modem 2400" was discontinued in 1992.

Features

The Apple USB Modem supports V.92, Caller ID, wake-on-ring, telephone answering (V.253), and modem on hold. The modem is manufactured by Motorola. A device driver for the modem was introduced with Mac OS X version 10.4.3.

It retailed for US$49 at the time of its introduction.

Apart from using the Apple USB Modem for Internet dial-up and faxing, it is also being suggested as a low cost line interface (aka FXO interface) for telephony applications, such as for telephone systems (software PBX) and answering machine software.

The decsision to drop the built-in dial up modem is reminiscent of Apple's decision to drop built-in floppy drives. Modems are as obsolete as floppies these days, and with the rise of broadband Internet and the general availability of wireless networking, it is likely that Apple felt that it was of more use for people to have default wireless instead of default dial-up.

The highly-miniaturized product, about the size of a cigarette lighter and with a 4.6-inch long USB cable, won a RED DOT design award for good design. [ [http://www.sparkfactordesign.com/farag.html Apple Designer] . Retrieved on 2007-08-17.]

Troubleshooting Tips

According to the Apple discussion boards, the magnetism of the MagSafe connector affects the USB external modem. Placing the modem away from the MagSafe socket on the farthest USB connector will keep your connection from dropping frequently.

References

External links

* [http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=MA034Z/A Apple USB Modem]
* [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303262 Apple USB Modem: Frequently Asked Questions]