Which cable modem?

[CBurcik]

I currently have Adelphia Powerlink which is being converted to Comcast @home. (TORTURE - no service for a week and they are telling me two more)

But my questions -

1. Should I purchase or rent the cable modem?

2. I am leaning toward purchase. Which should I buy?
Will only certain models work?


thanks in advance.

[ace]

before you buy a modem check with your cable co. to see if it is compliant with there system.
i think that the surfboard 4100 is a really good modem. also the rca 235 model is really good. both should work with your system but double check before you buy or else you will have paid for a paper weight!!;)

[CBurcik]

Tech support was no help.......

They couldn't help me with what modems are supported.

They work out a deal with the manufacturers for each market.

RCA in one market, Motorola in another.........

which leads me to another question.....

shouldn't any Docsis compliant modem work?

the tech support rep said he thinks so but wasn't sure.


I may go out this evening and pick up the quickstart kit.

It comes with the RCA modem and they have a $100 rebate until
the end of the month.


Alot of you seem to like the Motorola alot better. That is why I hesitated.



Any other thoughts?

[Prey521]

How much is it to rent the modem? If it's cheap, then you're better off just renting it from them instead of buying one yourself. I only pay 5 per month on the rental and the modem itself retailed for 300 (Toshiba PCX1100U DOCSIS) It would take 5 years of renting the modem to equal the amount that it would cost if I bought it on my own. That way, if I decide to terminate the service, or if I move to a non-cable modem location, I wouldn't be stuck with a modem that I bought.

[legalmind]

$199.00 for the modem/$10.00 off cable modem monthly fee.
The $199.00 is for the PCX1100U
Renting is $15.00 per month.

[aagiants]

Definately Buy. 15$ a month will equal a Year of renting. Even though they are ripping you off with that 15/10$$ ratio crap it is still a good deal.

[onetrueday]

almost all modems are docsis now, so they all should work.

[ace]

like i said, not all modems are supported with every cable co. dont ask me why cause i dont know,but it would be a good idea to give your cable co the model number and see what they say. i think that it would be a good idea.
another thing, check to see if you can return the modem just in case!!!

[Osidranan]

thanks for the preferences, any way to back up which is better for the buck, or which is better for the perfomance?

supposedly, those listed on the link below are the only ones supported...

http://www.cox.com/sandiego/CoxatHome/coxsupportmodems.asp

Any help would be appreciated. Doesnt seem to be a real good site for the cable modems themselves (hardware reviews/user preferences/performance curves~etc)

TIA

[MosDef112]

I would just purchase it. If you happen to ruin it by accident and its theirs, you're not stuck paying their price quote for damaged equipment. Generally, the most you'll pay for a DOCSIS 1.0 compliant cable modem nowadays is around $200. It's worth it.

[Osidranan]

actually, cheaper. I've been leasing for 3 years now, if the docsis spec was widely before i started the lease then i could have easily paid the $134 for the motorola 4100 that is being shipped to my door this week instead of leasing for $10/mth. grrrr.

www.pricewatch.com

[MosDef112]

Yeah, true. I said $200 because I recently bought mine retail at the Wiz.

[Grimson]

From what i hear the motorola 4100 is worth the cash.

[MosDef112]

No complaints here with my SB4100, granted I've only owned it for a month. :)