rec.autos.simulators

I'm planning to order a new Dell system pretty soon, and for some reason
their top of the line desktops now only come with PCI v.90 winmodems.
Word on VROC and such is that winmodems are no good for on-line GPL.  I
have a nearly new USR v.90 "real" modem (ISA) in my present Dell, but
for reasons not worth explaining, it would be difficult to swap into the
new PC.  So ... I'm interested in more opinions, information references,
etc. on whether winmodems are really significantly worse for on-line
racing.  And if so, whether those problems still apply to winmodems in
current high-spec systems (PIII 550, at least 128 RAM, etc.).
Experiences with USB modems would also be of interest.  TIA for your
thoughts.

Skip

Rick

<snip>
 So ... I'm interested in more opinions, information references,

If you have not already checked it out, see Alison's GPL site. There you
will find a very comprensive discussion of modems, internet connections and
online racing.

http://simracing.com/alison/gpl/

Last week I switched from a 56k/isa modem and AOL, to a USB modem and a much
better isp. My ping times to GPL servers have dropped by about 60% and I
have not been disconnected from one race since the switch :-)

don

[]-(_)-[]

WinModems are hash. A lot of the people who complain about connection
problems on the computer newsgroups will often find that the cause is
their WinModem.

Why is it that you can't transfer your other modem to your new
computer?

Dell make excellent systems, and knowing Dell you're bound to enjoy
the use of it, however if it's on-line *** you're looking for, look
somewhere other than at WinModems. That's not to say that you
shouldn't buy the system in question, but just change the modem, or
install a new one.

Thomas Ford

"Please remove NOSPAMMING from e-mail address to reply"

(very) Supid question!
Whats an winmodem?
I have an Diamond Supra Express 33.6!
Is that a winmodem?
(I didnt hear that word, maybe its because im writing from germany, and
here it has an other name)

Please dont laugh.

Servus
Andreas

-- David Reimertz

I think it's quite important to get a sound card and digital gameport so
that no other devices are competing for interrupts - I did have a
horrible time online until I got a SBLive Value and PDPI card, but now
it's not a problem.

I get average pings of 300-400ms, which is fine for GPL.  On a bad day
the pings go up and I can get disconnected a few times, but I think this
has more to do with the "weather" on the internet.  Presumably upgrading
the modem would improve matters, but the point is that the WinModem is
*not* a show-stopper.

Don't know what SCGT is like online, but GPL is *fantastic*!

No doubt this has helped you get away with using a winmodem.

Those pings are marginal for GPL online and say nothing about lost packets.

Do yourself  and others, who are affected by the warping caused by your
marginal modem, a favor and get 33.6  non-winmodem. This is not a major
investment compared to the rest of your system.

And please don't encourage others to repeat your mistake.

Marty

-Gary

Have you compared this to the lag you get with a standard modem, on
the same computer?

Thomas Ford

"Please remove NOSPAM from e-mail address to reply"

I don't normally experience warping, and if I do I disconnect anyway.

I probably will get a "proper" modem at some point!

It's fine in the same way that a Porsche 911 is fine - it's great
until you stick it next to a McLaren F1.

No matter if the Winmodem is fine it's still taking away some portion
of your system's time that wouldn't otherwise be lost. Whether that
pays off against the money you save is down to individual values of
price v's performance.

Cheers!
John