[Asterisk-Users] Reccomendations for connecting to 3-4 PSTN lines?

[Ivan Fetch]

Hello,

   I'm looking to connect Asterisk with three (four in the future) PSTN
lines, and would like to get some opinions on the TDM400 Digium card, vs.
sip gateways like the Mediatrix 1204, vs. other hardware solutions I'm not
yet aware of.

   I need the ability to prioritize which PSTN lines are used for outgoing
calls (I understand this can be done with the Mediatrix --
http://lists.digium.com/pipermail/asterisk-users/2004-February/035926.html),
and only answer two of the three lines (the third line will be answered by
a directly connected FAX machine, but we can use that line for outgoing
calls if the first two PSTNs are in use).

   Does the higher cost of something like the Mediatrix ($634) bring
advantages to the table over the TDM04b ($337)?  Does the TDM card provide
functionality which the sip gateways do not (e.g. incoming / outgoing call
progress)?

I appreciate hearing from folks who have experience with both methods of
connectivity,

Thanks - Ivan.