Date: 12:56 am Thu Nov 2, 1995 Number : 18 of 60 From: Arioch Base : Commercials To : All Subj: USR Sportster 33.6!
Ok, I've tested it out and all kindsa good shit.. spent about 1hr on the phone with USR (mindja 50 minutes I was on hold!!).. Here's the deal..
The Sportster 28.8 is not being advertised as a 33.6 because (this is from USR!) USR is simply putting it out as a 'test' ...this doesn't mean that the modem is shitty or anything.. it's exactly the same as the older S28.8's but it has the ability to connect at 33.6. With these modems USR (for this matter myself as well) will not support the 33.6 ability.. meaning no help and no guarantee's that it will connect at 33.6.. The ability is there, and if the phone lines are 100% perfect then no problemo.. (Therefore when the phone companies make it easier for faster speeds it'll work no problem)... Now the difference between the S and the Courier..
The courier's are ADVERTISED as 33.6's so they will guarantee a 33.6 connect UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES (ie: line conditions).. and they will help you get 33.6 connects if you are having problems.. And, well the Sportster's.. they will only guarantee a 28.8 connect.. Today (even in the shitty weather) I got a 33.2 connect on Cenotaph Road (he has a Courier)... so it will do it..
...I'm reading over this message and realizing that this sounds really mixed up.. but basically bottom line.. it's a 33.6 not guaranteed by USR. Apparently they are still working on a way to integrate the 33.6 capabilities into the 28.8 sportster (when they do there will be an actual 33.6 sportster).. but for now it's just an option and since we aren't paying anymore than a regular 28.8 there's no support or advertising for it.. It's weird.. it's fucked up.. it's USR... So.. that's the scoop.. it seems to work no problem.. and just as good as any other modem.. I had no problems today, and the worst connect I got was 28.8 on the nose. So if anyone is interested then just leave me some mail.