Intel Introduces $699 V.32bis Modem Hillsboro, Ore., Oct. 7, 1991 - Setting a new price/performance standard in the high-speed modem market, Intel Corp. today introduced the Intel 14.4EX, which supports data transfer rates of 14,400bps (bits per second). Priced at $699 (U.S.), the Intel 14.4EX modem conforms to the new V.32bis international standard, offering 50 percent more performance than 9600bps modems. The Intel 14.4EX modem also includes free CROSSTALK communications software and installation diagnostic software. Intel's 14.4EX is an external, full-duplex modem that features full compatibility with international modem standards, including CCITT (International Consultative Committee on Telephone and Telegraph) V.32 modulation and V.42 error control. Intel's 14.4EX also uses CCITT V.42bis data compression to compress data as much as fourfold, providing maximum throughput of 57,600bps. "As PC users move an ever-increasing volume of data over phone lines, they need modems that deliver high-speed, affordable throughput," said Richard Gough, Intel's Desktop Enhancements business unit manager. "By coupling high performance with aggressive pricing, Intel's 14.4EX modem can pay for itself in less than five hours of use." Taking the retail price and line costs into account, a high-speed modem can be a more cost-effective choice than a lower-speed modem. For example, a user who transmits 1MB of data a week via a 14,400bps modem will incur $66 in line costs annually, based on line costs of 24 cents per minute and a transmission time of 5.25 minutes. In contrast, a user who transmits 1MB of data weekly via a 2400bps modem will spend an average of $884 in line costs annually, based on a transmission time of 70 minutes. Even with the retail costs of the modems factored in, the total cost of the 14.4EX is significantly less. Time and Cost Savings of Intel 14.4EX Modem vs. 2400bps Modem Intel's 14.4EX modem ships with a free copy of DCA's CROSSTALK Communicator, a full-featured communications package with a retail value of $99. The software is easy to install and use, and it offers a choice of 13 different terminal emulations and eight different file transfer protocols, including ZMODEM. Customers who purchase the Intel 14.4EX modem by Dec. 15, 1991, also receive a coupon for a free copy of Central Point Software's PC Tools 7.1, a retail value of $179. PC Tools is a complete software utility package that includes Commute, a modem remote control software application. Intel is also providing an upgrade path for owners of its 9600bps modem. The upgrade offer for the 9600EX to 14.4EX (v.32bis) will be available from October 31, 1991 to January 31, 1991. To place an order for the upgrade, or to obtain further information, ON or AFTER October 31st, call (800) 732-0690. Method of payment is credit card only (Visa, Mastercharge or Amex). Option #1 ($200): Call (800) 732-0690 to place your order. You will be sent a shipping box for returning your 9600EX modem to Intel. (Do not return cables or the power supply - only the modem itself.) Intel will rework your modem, in your original 9600EX case, and ship it back to you within 3 days, via 2nd day air. After your modem is shipped back to you, your credit card will be charged $200. Option #2 ($250): Call (800) 732-0690 to place your order. Intel will send you a new modem in a 14.4EX case, a shipping box in which to return your 9600EX modem, and charge your credit card $699 (full price). Send your 9600EX modem back to Intel in the shipping box that was sent to you. When Intel receives your 9600EX, your credit card will be credited $449. In addition to supporting greater line speeds, Intel's 14.4EX modem offers a quick connection option. When enabled, this option can reduce the connect time by as much as half from the typical modem connection time of 12 to 16 seconds. Intel's 14.4EX modem also automatically determines the best speed for optimal throughput. The modem has the ability to speed up and slow down to compensate for any gain or loss in phone line quality by adjusting the data transfer rate to 14,400bps, 12,000bps, 9600bps, 7200bps and 4800bps as needed - with line changes occurring in as little as 200 milliseconds. The Intel 14.4EX modem also supports communications with lower-speed modems by automatically negotiating the highest common speed when communicating with 9600bps, 4800bps, 2400bps, 1200bps or 300bps modems. To ensure compatibility with the North American installed base of Microcom Networking Protocol (MNP) modems, the Intel 14.4EX supports MNP 1-5 for error control and data compression. Designed for ease of setup, the Intel 14.4EX modem installs without jumpers or switches and includes Testcom diagnostic software, which lets users verify that the modem is installed and working correctly. The modem supports synchronous and asynchronous communications over dial-up or two-wire leased lines. It also supports the Hayes AT command set, providing broad compatibility with available communications software. Approved earlier this year, V.32bis is an extension to the original V.32 standard adopted in 1984 by the CCITT. The initial standard provided a protocol for line speeds of 9600bps and 4800bps. The V.32bis standard supports transfer rates of 14,400bps, 12,000bps and 7200bps. Intel's 14.4EX modem offers a three-year limited warranty. Intel modems are sold in more han 2,000 retail computer stores in the United States and Canada. Additional information on Intel PC enhancement products is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers or at (503) 629-7354 for international customers. Intel develops and manufactures a broad family of PC enhancement products, including fax boards and modems, memory enhancements, CPU upgrades and LAN (local area network) products. Intel Corp. is an international manufacturer of microcomputer components, modules and systems.