What Cable Modem to get?

[oshelef]

A friend of mine is getting At&t cable in Chicago and is looking for a cable modem. Other than making sure it is ethernet and not only usb,(so that he can use it with a router) is there anything else to consider?

Are there compatibility issues? If so, how can you tell?
Are some faster than others?

Is he better off leasing it for $5-$10 a month?


Thanks,


Orie

 

[dexvx]

I got ATT cable where I live, and here's my take of the situation.

It's $46 for access + leasing a modem, otherwise it'd be $43 for just the access.

A typical ATT approved cable modem at least $75 brand new (you could get it cheaper used). At $75, I'd need to sign up with ATT approximately 2 years before I break even.

 

[Occifer]

The one I leased from Instanet died on me the 2nd day. Sure glad it wasn't mine.

 

[Dreadogg]

with my situation I pay 34.50 for service with my own modem, If I did not own I would pay 52.00 and this is because I have broadcast cable service and not basic and I am with adelphia cable! I have a toshiba docsis cable modem model pcx1100u and it works great, I payed close to 120 for it and it has payed for its self already and now is making/saving me money! You can get them cheaper, OEM, refurbished, and used anywhere form 25 to 100 dollars! I would just tell your friend to ask his provider what kinds of modems they support or ask if they support a certain model! If he gets a one year warrantee his modem will pay for itself, plus he owns the equitment which is also pretty cool!

 

[BeefcakeVA]

I know several people who own Linksys modems and are on RR and Comcast. Not sure about AT&T.

Link

Easiest thing would be to contact Linksys or AT&T (maybe both) and veryify that the modem will work with the service.

 

[Lvis]

I have a motorola surfboard, 4100. It has worked fine, no problems. Has either a usb or lan connection, and works fine with both. Heard good things about toshiba, but haven't tried it.

 

[FlamingEagle]

Motorola Surfboard 4200

 

[Texun]

Any modem that is DOCSIS compliant will be fine. I've used several and my preference is the Motorola Surfboard because it tolerates line noise a little better than others. Toshiba's are also very popular and work quite well.

 

[Chadder007]

Motorola, then Toshiba......both of them are the two best and most compatible.
Linksys is good but not compatible with some cable systems.

 

[Adul]

motorola all the way

 

[kgraeme]

So what is the difference between the Mot 4100 and 4200? I'm leasing the 4100 right now.

 

[SteelCityFan]

Originally posted by: BeefcakeVA
I know several people who own Linksys modems and are on RR and Comcast. Not sure about AT&T.

Link

Easiest thing would be to contact Linksys or AT&T (maybe both) and veryify that the modem will work with the service.

Or you can call your cable company as well. Most keep a list. I am waiting for the Version 2 Linksys modems to come out. .. They are changing the design from the stand up modem to one that looks like their routers. I want to stack the cable modem under my wireless router. I emailed Linksys and they said that the new version is due out in Mid August.

 

[Texun]

krgaeme

The basic difference is that the 4200 has a button on top of the modem that locks the port. I don't think the 4100 has that. There are also some upgrade differnces that will come in to play later on, but if you are leasing I wouldn't worry too much about it. Both have a faster processor than the 3100, which is also a good performer. There may be other differences but I don't have the info handy right now. Whatever it is isn't major because both are still top shelf units provided by Mot.

 

[kgraeme]

I saw the suspend button, but they apparently added it to later models of the 4100 as well.

 

[Dolemite76]

Go with the MOTOROLA SB4200... I just got one for $90 to replace my old TOSHIBA PCX101 (4 year old modem they leased me 4 years ago)... doubled my bandwidth... and has a suspend button and the option to connect to NIC and/or USB (two ip addresses without extra hardware)... pluse it allows the techs at my isp (RR) to conduct better diagnostic tests from their location... at least that's what they told me... I've had it for one month... totally kicks @ss...

 

[Yvo]

Motorola.

I threw out my leased modem, RCA DCM215 (one of the firsts) and that thing was incredibly sensitive. You would touch it and it would immediately go bye bye.

This Motorola SB4200 is awesome. Beware though... I heard that the Motorolas carry a reputation with the bad peeps, the peeps that "uncap" their modems.

Edit: (pressed post to soon)

I got mine off of eBay from a reliable seller for $64, came new in a box and everything.

Yvo