From: berger@atropa (Mike Berger)
Subject: Intel SatisFAXtion 400/e Review
Summary: A SatisFIEd customer of Intel
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 17:16:22 GMT
Keywords: v.32bis intel satisfaxtion modem lapm

A review of the Intel SatisFAXtion 400/e External V.32bis modem:

The Intel SatisFAXtion 400/e external V.32bis modem has been
shipping for several weeks now.  Here are the pertinent specs:

Physical Dimensions	1.5" by 5.5" by 9.6"
Operating Modes		sync direct, async normal, async reliable,
			async reliable with data compressionI
DTE Port Rates		115,200, 57,600, 38,400, 19,200, 14,400,
			12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 1200, 300 baud
Fallback/forward rates	14,400-12,000-9600-7200-4800
Modem Compatibility	V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.21, 212A, 103
Error Control		CCITT V.42 (LAPM)
			MNP classes 1-4
Data Compression	V.42bis (LAPM), MNP5
Flow Control		Software (XON/XOFF) and hardware (CTS/RTS)
Configuration NVRAM	2 configurations, 4 phone numbers
Command Set		Full TIA-602 (Hayes) command set
			with extensions for LAPM and MNP
Self-Test		V.54, including local analog and digital
			loopback, remote digital loopback, remote
			analog and digital loopback with self-test

FAX Compatibility	CCITT Group 3 FAX (V.17, V.29, V.27ter)
FAX Format		EIA/TIA-578 (Class I)
FAX Transmission Rates	14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, and 2400 bps
FAX Resolution		Horizontal 200 dpi (204 actual)
			Vertical   200 dpi (195.6 actual) fine mode
			           100 dpi (97.8 actual) standard mode

There are 9 front panel indicator lights:
EC	Error control
HS	High-speed indicator
AA	Auto-answer
CD	Carrier Detect
OH	Off-hook
RD	Receive data
SD	Send data
TR	Terminal ready
MR	Modem ready

Bundled software includes Crosstalk Communicator, Intel CAS drivers
for a Class I modem, the Intel SatisFAXtion software, a send-only
version of Faxibility for Windows, and a diagnostics program.

The modem firmware is contained in NVRAM and updates can be downloaded
from Intel.

The first modem I received was not reliable, didn't respond correctly
to Class I FAX commands, would not connect at 14,400 baud, and failed
diagnostics.  I got through to Intel's support line on my first try.
The technician suggested that I send the modem back, and within a
half-hour a bar-coded RMA was FAX'd to me.  Normal turnaround time
is 48 hours after receipt of the defective modem - I received my
replacement a day later than I expected (but it was shipped Federal
Express next morning service, so I'm not unhappy).

The new modem has performed flawlessly.  It connects reliably,
functions as described in the manual, and works to expectations.
The Intel FAX software is a little confusing, but full-featured
and reliable.  Free updates are available on their BBS.  The FAX
modem can be used with Class I or CAS software.

Some features worth noting:
Despite the advertisements and admonishments to the contrary, the
Intel SatisFAXtion 400/e DOES appear to be able to send and receive
faxes at 14,400 baud, and V.17 compression is available.

The modem periodically initiates (and always responds to) fallback
and fall-forward.  You can enable the speaker to turn on during
retraining.  This feature was one of the reasons I selected the
Intelk modem - many of the others respond, but don't initiate to
retrain requests, and some fall back but not forward.  However, it
has its drawbacks:
* there is a delay during retraining, which is annoying during
  interactive sessions.
* if the modem on the other end doesn't respond correctly, it can
  leave you with a hung session.

The modem handles high serial port speeds better than my computer and
software!  The front panel indicators are not just binary:  some
blink, one is multi-colored, so useful, if obscure, status information
is readily available.

Intel support is available via FAXback, phone, FAX, BBS, MCI Mail,
and CompuServe.

The list modem carries a 2-year warranty and has a list price of $ 459.
Although available discounted, it is more expensive than the Supra/BOCA/
PP/et. al.,  but also seems to be of higher quality.  Allowing for my
first defective modem, this one delivers all features as advertised
(unlike Zyxel, Supra, etc. with new roms needed every 2 weeks), though
upgrades are available over the phone as necessary.  I have long been a
proponent of premium grade modems (since I experienced my first USR
modem many years ago, a real piece of junk compared to the AT&T and 
NEC modems I was accustomed to), but the new NEC V.32bis with
infrared remote, at $ 1300, is well out of my price range.  I see the
Intel modem as falling between the low-end modems and the premium
industrial quality modems.  As they say on TV, "it costs a little
more, but it's worth it."
--
	Mike Berger
	Department of Statistics, University of Illinois
	AT&TNET     217-244-6067
	Internet    berger@atropa.stat.uiuc.edu