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-- Why a 33.6 Modem? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=4996)

Handspring has a 33.6 modem for the Visor and Palm has a 33.6k modem for the Palm V and a 14.4 modem for the Palm III. Can these devices not handle a 56k modem? Why make these slower modems? If the Visor can sync with a fast USB connection why not make a 56k modem for remote connections???

Doesn't make any sense? Unless they are just trying to keep costs to a minimum???

JMHO, but the modem in the Visor (and Palm) is primarily for email and other low-traffic connections, right? Is there a need great enough to justify the jump to 56k? Now, if you had some sort of hand-held device actually capable of surfing the web (ie, hi-res, color screen, memory, speed, etc.), then I could see the benefit of a high-speed connection. I think we're still a long way away from having devices with these capabilities that still maintain the size, weight and battery life of the Palms. Any thoughts?

True, and I see your point. But mine is that the faster you can go, the better. Thats one of the reasons they switched to USB, for super fast syncing. Well, one of the main uses of the modem is remote syncing. So, why not a 56k modem that would almost double the speed for that particular process. And for those who use software to directly check email over a dialup it would be faster...

Maybe it's the fact that 56k modems simply consume more power?

10bt

The answer's quite simple, really: 33.6k is yesterday's technology. Therefore you pay a lower price.

Since the modem will primarily be used to connect to another computer not a ISP, 33.6 is actually the fastest speed possible. 56K requires a digital switch at the ISP end. (Your 56K modem can't dial another 56K modem and connect at 56K! 33.6 is the max unless a digital switch is used.)

Ah, someone with a little more knowledge of the situation steps in and explains the problem. That makes sense now.