Do we need a 56K modem in the new iMac?
I'm starting to wonder if we really need a 56K modem in the new iMac. For the nearly 10 million of us with broadband connections a built-in modem is not especially useful and simply increases the price and takes up internal space, even if only minimally.
Why not offer an internal 56K modem as an option (or even as an external offering)?
Isn't dial-up going the way of the floppy?
Just my two bits.
Why not offer an internal 56K modem as an option (or even as an external offering)?
Isn't dial-up going the way of the floppy?
Just my two bits.
Comments
the entry level computer users that buy the majority of iMacs will always need modem access.
Regarding the U.S. market I'm not sure what the rate of penetration is exactly but I believe that about 10-15% are broadband and the remainder dial-up, which the ratio gradually shifting in favor of broadband.
I'm not arguing that the 56K modem should be eliminated altogether, so much as it's days are numbered and that the option not to pay for this legacy feature would be nice.
Perhaps I'm getting too far ahead of the market on this one.
One thing about broadband, usage is not growing as fast as many experts expected for several different reasons.
Chris
You have to laugh though when they list it as a "high speed modem"
Regarding that all-in-one feel, my Tangerine iMac seems to lack this when I attach a printer, scanner, floppy disk drive, and headphones.
And why pay for something that I (and many others) don't need? I'd rather Steve Jobs put that $20-40 savings toward a super drive, a bigger LCD, or some other forward looking feature/function. And make the 56K modem optional.
Thanks all for the comments.
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And why pay for something that I (and many others) don't need? I'd rather Steve Jobs put that $20-40 savings toward a super drive, a bigger LCD, or some other forward looking feature/function. And make the 56K modem optional.
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Because the majority of people buying an iMac do need it. When your in the Majority then you can start making a case. I'd say that until 20% or less people in the US use Dail up you'll see a modem in the iMac. I really doubt that it costs Apple $20-$40 for an internal modem. I'd guess the component parts would be under $10. Afterall you can buy retail external modems for $50, considering it's internal & OEM it'd be much less.
Additionally dialup modems also serve another important function to consumers, a fax machine. I know that I don't have a fax machine at home but I use my Mac to fax out a lot. So taking this away & expecting people to use broadband would also equal in one less feature (fax).
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And why pay for something that I (and many others) don't need? I'd rather Steve Jobs put that $20-40 savings toward a super drive, a bigger LCD, or some other forward looking feature/function. And make the 56K modem optional.
Thanks all for the comments.</strong><hr></blockquote>
If you think it costs Apple 20-40 for the modem you are mistaken. I am betting it is $5 or less. I know that im ny work for Micron Electronics they sold an internal modem for $50 that they paid $8 for. That is one reason they are so willing to replace them when they break, they are still big money ahead.
Apple is no different in this respect. The cost savings is insignificant to the system cost. It would get you nothing in the long run likely.
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Additionally dialup modems also serve another important function to consumers, a fax machine. I know that I don't have a fax machine at home but I use my Mac to fax out a lot. So taking this away & expecting people to use broadband would also equal in one less feature (fax).</strong><hr></blockquote>
Im with X704. Until most FAX machines worldwide switch to some other method of recieving data other than being at the end of a phone number, I think there will always be the option for a modem.
LG
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Additionally dialup modems also serve another important function to consumers, a fax machine. I know that I don't have a fax machine at home but I use my Mac to fax out a lot. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Now if only someone would release Fax software for Mac OS X! Steve's only got 3 more "hours" on his clock to go...
Additionally, a modem is an important option for portability, something that the iMac has always had. It's "luggable", and a modem is perfect because one can plug into the net anywhere they take their iMac. Remove the modem and suddenly the iMac loses much of it's plug 'n play, all-in-one charm.
Anyways, $50/month for internet access is a total rip off. Modems are needed as long as internet users get raped by the ISPs for high bandwidth.
Not everyone is as special as you Turkey Boy and has the privledge of having broadband access.
Now hear this! Bannish all 56K modems from this day on as Turkey Boy does not need it!
[ 12-15-2001: Message edited by: Cobra ]</p>
<strong>Additionally, a modem is an important option for portability, something that the iMac has always had. It's "luggable", and a modem is perfect because one can plug into the net anywhere they take their iMac. Remove the modem and suddenly the iMac loses much of it's plug 'n play, all-in-one charm.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Not to mention I can take my powerbook to any client/ prospect (hell even my 'weekend appartment by the seaside ), without having to worry about connectivity, missing e-mails or faxes, and also foregoing having to install a second (pretty expensive for an average 100 hours /year) broadband connection at a place I go to to escape from work .
The day I get unmetered access at reasonable speeds for a fixed amount a month on my mobile phone, then maybe I can go without an internal modem. But even then I'd rather have one on the machine than not.
It's like the ADB port on my G3. The day my USB keyboard broke, boy I was glad I could just plug in another vintage keyboard while waiting for a repair....