| Also known as | MA034 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| Type | USB modem |
| Released | October 12, 2005 (2005-10-12) |
| Introductory price | US$49 |
| Discontinued | September 2009 (2009-09) |
| Website | support |
TheApple USB Modem is a combined 56 kbit/s data modem and 14.4 kbit/s fax externalUSBmodem introduced byApple Inc. after the internal 56k modem was dropped on the October 12, 2005iMac G5 revision. While it looks similar, it should not be confused with Apple's optional USB Ethernet Adapter accessory, available for itsMacBook Air andMacBook Pro Retina range of laptops since 2008.
Apple introduced its first true modems in 1984, theApple Modem 300 &1200 modems (ITU-T V.21 andV.22). Prior to that they offered a third party Apple-badged comparatively low-techacoustic coupler. Those were followed by the industry standard 2400/data and combined 9600/fax (ITU-T V.29)AppleFax Modem in 1987. Apple introduced the internal 2400 data/fax modem card for itsMacintosh Portable in 1989 as well as released its last external desktopApple Data Modem 2400. Only standard internal modems were offered during the 1990s through 2005, with the notable exception of Apple's foray intoGeoPort passivetelephony modems which relied heavily upon the computer's software and processing power rather than dedicated hardware (like Apple's proprietary internalExpress Modem). TheApple USB Modem is Apple's first true external modem since theApple Data Modem 2400 was discontinued in 1992.
As of September 2009 it is no longer available in the US Apple Store, but it still works (at least for fax) as ofMac OS X version 10.6.2. No officially supported 64-bit driver exists, and asMac OS X Lion operates by default in 64-bit mode, the USB modem will not function in Lion without workarounds.[1]
The Apple USB Modem supportsV.92,Caller ID, wake-on-ring, telephone answering (V.253), and modem on hold. The modem is manufactured byMotorola. Adevice driver for the modem was introduced withMac OS X version 10.4.3.
It retailed forUS$49 at the time of its introduction.
Apart from using the Apple USB Modem forInternet dial-up and faxing, it is also being suggested as a low cost line interface (akaFXO interface) for telephony applications, such as for telephone systems (softwarePBX) and answering machine software.
The highly miniaturized product, about the size of a cigarette lighter and with a 4.6-inch long USB cable, won a RED DOT design award for good design.[2]
In Windows, the modem identifies itself as "Motorola SM56 USB Data Fax Modem" and a driver was provided via Boot Camp Assistant.[3]
