[X4U] which modem(s) for AGP Graphics G4?

[Stroller]

On Jul 11, 2004, at 7:22 am, Wayne Clodfelter wrote:

> My recently acquired G4 does not have an internal (fax)modem and I 
> don't care to add a serial adapter to carry forward my external 
> SUPRAFax 33.6 modem.
> I have heard internal modems on the G4s are problematic but don't know 
> any specifics.

I am in the same situation as you, as Panther's fax facility was not 
available when I ordered my G4, I'm on ADSL & just generally didn't see 
the need for dial-up access. Since I became self-employed I have 
realised that a fax would be immensely useful.

> What advice does the list offer for choosing an internal or external 
> modem for this G4. Are internal modems specific to certain models of 
> G4s, or are they pretty much interchangeable across all G4s?

I believe the "internal modem", on my mirror-drive-door G4, at least, 
is part of the system board. When I asked Apple to save me £18 & build 
my G4 "without" a modem, I think that all they did was either remove 
the RJ11 socket (& replace it with a blanking plate) or build the 
machine without some other very small component or board.

I have not been able, however, to determine how to retro-fit this item, 
however, and fear you may be out of luck. The best offer I had was a 
Mac-specialist supplier offer me a part for c £100. I doubt that an 
internal PCI modem intended for a PC would work in a Mac, although I 
would be delighted to hear that this is the case. Perhaps some other 
user with a built-in modem can post the full details for System 
Profiler.

> Will appreciate comments on built-in faxing in Panther, of which I am 
> ignorant. I know that some fax software is quite good, and some of it 
> is awful. I prefer a modem supported by decent fax software. TIA.

I would have thought that you would be quite well-served by Panther's 
built-in software - it has the sorts of features that most people 
require & is integrated as part of the o/s, so that anything you can 
print you can fax just as well to anyone in your address book. I think 
that if you were to add another modem recognised under OS X (an 
external USB, for example) then Panther's fax facility would work with 
it.

<http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/faxing/>

I have heard users on this list say they use other software than 
Panther's built in facilities, but I think that is only because they 
require the sorts of features normally associated with mail-merging.

HTH,

Stroller.