Software: Bundle or Burden?

You shouldn't choose a modem just because of its bundled software, but you shouldn't leave it completely out of your buying decision, either. All the tested modems came with Windows-based communications software programs. While Windows 95 provides much better modem support than Windows 3.x did, that's not saying much. Third-party communications programs, however, now help fill the gap between simple fax/data needs and managing all your personal communications requirements.

Motorola, for example, includes Smith Micro's QuickLink Message Center software with its VoiceSURFR modem. This program handles voice mail, faxing (including fax-back), and data communications. A one-screen program interface allows you to see and handle all three kinds of calls (voice, fax, and data). You can also install multi ple greetings and mailboxes and operate the VoiceSURFR as a speakerphone. Four of the 13 modems in this review came bundled with some type of Smith Micro software.

Hayes provides its SmartCom Message Center Pro with the Accura 336 modem. This program offers voice mail with multiple mailboxes, remote entry, and multiple greetings. SmartCom operates using a central window with program selections for different operations (e.g., fax, voice, and data). We preferred QuickLink's all-in-one interface, however.

Other notable software that comes bundled with the reviewed modems includes SmartCom LE, which comes with Practical Peripherals' PM336MT. Global Village's Focal Point software, included with its TelePort 33.6, provides functions such as e-mail management and address-book entries for pagers, in addition to voice, fax, and data functions. We liked its clean interface and tight integration with Win 95; it can configure e-mail settings with MAPI information from the M icrosoft Exchange client.