[ From SysOp of NightPlayer BBS, Leon Lien ] 

       NightPlayer BBS : (909) 860-9668 (Node 1, Diamond Bar,CA) 28.8K V.FC
                         (818) 919-6285 (Node 2, W. Covina, CA)  14.4K V.32b
      
        SysOp Talks : See this before you buy any 28.8K modems...

  Recently, I personally tested 3 different kinds of 28.8K V.FC Modems
  US Robotics ($495), Practical Peripheral ($256), and Zoom Modem ($199)
  Below is the note for these modems, if you want to buy high speed V.FC
  modems, here are some Tips for you.....

  US Robotic V.34 Modem :  [ Lies about V.34 Modems ]
  US Robotic claim that they already came out V.34 (V. Everything) Modem.
  This is a lie .... V.34 Standard has not been ractified by CCITT, how
  could they make V.34 Modem ? If you give US Robotic a call and ask them 
  about their V.34 Modem, they will tell you : " W...Well, We are 
  currently shipping V.FC 28.8 format modems, later on we will provide
  software update for our user to be V.34 compatible". So, what's the 
  difference with other modem manufactures ?????? And how could they claim
  on magazines that they already came out with V.34 modems.....  Lies, Lies
  Lies.....

  Zoom Technology V.FX, V.FP Modems :
  Zoom Technology always had a good reputation in Modem fields, but this 
  time, they screw up big time. Zoom 28.8K V.FX (External) or V.FP (Internal)
  don't work at all...... During my test with my BBS, Zoom 28.8K modems act
  like 1200b modems. Yes, when they get a connection, they will tell you 
  the connection is 14400b with V.32bis modem, but you will understand after
  you see the ANSI screen refresh rate, it's below 1200b, and if you use Zoom
  V.FC modems to transfer files, Oh... My god, it transfer ZIP files at 112 
  CPS, would you believe this ? No, I don't, so I call Zoom Modem Tech 
  support, finally they give me suggestion to get a refund on my Zoom Modems.
  ... Gee... they could not solve my problem anyhow. By the way, If you give
  Zoom Technology BBS a try, you will find out, Even Zoom Technology BBS 
  which is equipped with ZOOM 28.8K modem doesn't work with the following
  modems : INTEL 14400EX V.32bis, DIGICOMM 19200b V.32Terbo (SoftModem)....
  I tested 2 V.FP ZOOM Modems, both of them have the same problems, the ROM
  version on those Modems are 1.00a (Latest one)...... If you are consider 
  to buy these cheap ($199) 28.8k modems, forget it !
  [ Also see report on Computer Shopper July Issue Page 176 about poor 
    performance of ZOOM 28.8 Modems ]
   
  Practical Peripheral 28.8K Modems :

      I tested two Practical PM288HC II (Internal) modems, first one gave 
  me problem on receiving uploads, it will keep aborting uploads, but other 
  specs are quite smooth. The second one I tested has the best performance
  so far, no redundant stuff, easy install, no joke..... And they have good 
  Voice Tech support which works on Saturday, even Sunday, their Tech Support
  BBS works very efficiently. I highly recommend Practical Peripheral modems
  for all my members if any one of you are looking for high speed connections.
  
     28.8K V.FC Spec. is not an official Spec. but is quite well accepted by 
  modem manufatures, Hayes has it, Boca has it, Supera has it, too. All the 
  modems I tested come with upgrade policy for future coming V.34 official 
  Spec. V.34 will give you compatibility with V.32 (9600b), V.32bis (14400b)
  and V.32terbo (19200b); V.FC only acts on V.32, V.32bis; with V.32 
  terbo, it gave 14400b connection only, and so far, this is the only 
  drawback i could see for V.FC format.

     Most V.FC modems utilize Rockwell Chipset Technology. Rockwell, Modem 
  Chipset manufacture, who screwed up before on 14400b V.32bis FaxModems, now
  came out again with V.FC format. I would like to say, test your V.FC modem 
  thoroughly after you purchase it, because everybody should keep cautious 
  on Rockwell, (whispered.... They don't make good stuff). I got some 
  feedbacks from some SysOps who complain V.FC modems have problems, my 
  current one (Practical Peripheral) works very good, but anyway, Watch out.
  
                              Good Luck and Take care......