Hmm.. I have a USR modem here. It's been fine for
many years _after_ I
resoldered a lot of dry joints shortly after I got it (on the PCB and on
the secodnary of the transformer in the mains adapter). Oh, and
re-crimped the telephone plug.
So to be honest, I don't think much of USR prodcution or quality control.
I've sold **hundreds** of these modems here in Brazil and never had
returns like that you said :oP From the Sportster 28800 to the Courier
V-Everything-but-the-girl, and the older couriers (I had a 9600/14400 HST)