Q: Why do some users complain about their modem being slow?

A: The System Manager slows down the serial port. The DataComm application is even slower, at least on the 100LX. Together they are really slow. The solution is to not use either, although using any other communications software under the System Manager is better than using DataComm. MS-Kermit <See Shareware/Freeware index> (various version from 60KB to 300KB), ProComm, and others are reported to work. See the minimal-software-list for details.

Interestingly enough, the built-in DataComm application seems to be reasonably fast when doing file transfer, its only when used as a terminal that it becomes painfully slow.