By Marc Spiwak

Whizz! That's how fast state-of-the-art PC products operate-and how fast things change in this industry. For example, most online jockeys aspire to own a hot 28.8 modem, but even these units are about to be shunted to the information highway's slow lane. Philips' new PCA33IM toes the speed line defined by the new ITU-T V.34+ standard, which enables data transmission up to 33.6Kbps.

The PCA33IM is an internal unit that sends faxes at up to 14.4Kbps and sizzles withdata at a maximum rate of 33.6Kbps. Communicating at this rate is a tantalizing proposition but, as with all good things, there's a catch. If you want to transfer data at 33.6Kbps, you'll need a modem with the same capability at the other end-and there just aren't many out there yet. Of course, the PCA33IM will connect at lower speeds.

The Philips PCA33IM is a true Plug-and-Play device. It installed flawlessly in my tests, although I had to disable COM2 in the test system's BIOS so that IRQ3 would not be shared with that port and the modem. But this is standard fare for an internal modem. To enjoy the PCA33IM's performance, the host system must be based on a 486SX-or faster-processor.

The modem comes with a three-year warranty and software that will get you up and running quickly. Cheyenne's BitWare F/D for Windows lets you send and receive data and faxes. You also get software that lets you connect to the EarthLink Network Total Access and Corel's Internet Mania CD-ROM.

--Info File--
Philips PCA33IM
Price: $149
Pros: Speed
Cons: Few other modems are capable of 33.6Kbps speed
Platforms: Windows 95, 3.1x
Philips Electronics
800-235-7373, 408-453-5129
WinMag Box Score: 3.5