The March, 1995 issue of "Computer News PC" advertised a 2400 baud (a.k.a. 2400bps) external modem for $65 USD. It was made in the U.S.A., had a ten year warranty, and featured a volume control plus automatic dialing/answering capability. It also included communications software. In the May '96 issue, the price was reduced to $58 dollars. It works with any PC-compatible, as well as TRS-80 models 3, 4, 4D, and 4P.

Compare this to more recently manufactured modems. In 2004, it cost $50 (plus tax) at CompUSA for an external modem made in Taiwan that came with the wrong drivers, had no instruction manual, and was rather loud (with no volume control). The box it came in says nothing of a warranty, though the receipt stated "NO REFUND OR EXCHANGE AFTER 14 DAYS". So much for free trade and globalization...