[djepicurus]

Hello, I am new to the world of Mac's. So new in fact you may laugh at me for this question, but can a Macintosh G3/G4 utilize any PCI modem or does it have to be macintosh specific architecture?

Thanks

[Paul S]

Some Macs have their own internal modem, but for the most part, if it's not built-in from the factory, you need to go external. I've never seen a PCI modem for a Mac.

[giantmike]

Actually, that is a very valid question.

The answer is no. PCI modems have never been, and most likely will never be compatible with Macs. You can get internal modems that hook up to there own special cards in G3/G4s, or get an external USB Modem (serial if a beige G3). Of course, you could always get cable internet access and use the built in ethernet ports

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[elzinat]

If I'm not mistaken, since the first iMac every Mac has come with an internal modem. This includes the B&W G3s and all G4s. So if you're just getting a new machine, no problem (though there are USB modems available, also). Many older machines also had built-in modems (for instance my Performa 6400 did, but I couldn't tell you any pattern). These older machines had a "modem card" slot. (I once upon a times I was considering purchasing a 56k internal modem to upgrade the 28.8 which came with my Performa, though I never did.) As Mike said, the pre-USB systems used a "serial port" for an external modem, the same port as pre-USB printers used. The old Macs without internal modems (like my Classic! ) had two of these, my Performa had one.