In addition to providing the power and convenience of USB technology, the new SupraExpress modem supports the 56K ITU standard (V.90) to deliver fast, reliable connections.
As an external device, the Diamond SupraExpress 56 USB modem features easy installation. With the new modem, consumers do not need to remove the PC housing for installation and can simply plug the product into the USB port of a Macintosh or Windows-based computer. The SupraExpress 56 USB modem reduces desktop clutter by obtaining power from the USB bus and eliminates the need for serial cables and power blocks. With USB technology, consumers can "hot swap" peripherals while the computer is running and avoid the inconvenience of restarting the computer to exchange products. Featuring transfer speeds of up to 12 megabits per second, a USB port is nearly 100 times faster than a standard serial port connection.
Cross Platform Support
The Diamond SupraExpress 56 USB modem is a versatile product that provides cross-platform support for Macintosh- and Windows 98-based systems. The modem also works on Windows 95 systems that have USB drivers. By supporting Macintosh- and Windows-based computers with one product, the new USB modem provides an appealing solution to OEMs and other distribution partners. The new Diamond USB modem works with any Apple computer that has a USB port and is one of the first products that enables Power Macintosh G3 customers to dial the Internet. Complete Internet and Fax Solution
Featuring support for the 56K ITU standard (V.90), the Diamond SupraExpress 56 USB modem delivers fast, compatible Internet connections worldwide. The new modem comes bundled with a valuable CD of popular communications software, including Internet applications and browsers such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape, starter kits from top Internet service providers (ISPs), and two popular fax software applications - FAXcilitate, Diamond's own Macintosh fax software application, and FaxTalk for the PC. Product Contents and System Requirements
The Diamond SupraExpress 56 USB product includes an external USB faxmodem with a new translucent case, Internet and fax software, easy-to-read installation poster, phone cord and USB cable. System requirements for a Macintosh-based computer include System 8.5 or greater, one available USB port, 16MB RAM (minimum), and 6MB of free hard disk space. System requirements for a Windows-based computer include an IBM compatible PC (486 or higher), Windows 98 or Windows 95 with USB drivers, one available USB port, 16MB RAM (minimum), and 6MB of free hard disk space. Additional Information
The new SupraExpress product is also the first USB modem to support both the Macintosh and PC platforms in one product.
Diamond Multimedia says the product should be in retail outlets by the end of this month. The price on the modem is US$99.95.
This is Another Sign that the Mac market is healthy because of the effort that Diamond has undergone to show cross-platform support. Look at the last line from their press release that we included to see how proud they are of this product supporting both the Mac and PC. This sort of effort would never have happened 12, or even 6 months ago, with or without USB. It is happening today because Diamond Multimedia sees that they can make a profit by catering to the "limited" market of the Blue and White G3. To turn the head of Diamond, things must be going well! :-)