I need a modem

thejazzmaster · 07-28-2006, 12:26 PM

Are there any major performance differences between the different models? If so do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks a lot.

Tumbleweed36 · 07-28-2006, 12:54 PM

Hi,

One can only recommend what he has seen in dial-up modems. What I have found through the years is that USRobotic modems are kind of a pain with driver issues that creep up a lot. I would not buy another USRobotic modem although I have owned several of them.

There are many good ones out there, but the one that I like best is the Zoom brand modem. I have never had any driver issues with this brand and they are very reliable. Again, this is a personal choice.

Just make sure that you buy the v.92 compliant when you purchase one. There are a lot of the old ones and non-brand name ones floating around out there that are very cheap (and you get what you pay for in that case), so stick with a known name that is v.92 compliant.

You can buy a decent brand name modem for around $40 or so. the real high priced ones have a few extra features that one rarely uses, so I would stay away from giving away the farm for one of those.

thejazzmaster · 07-28-2006, 01:16 PM

Oh I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot. I just assumed that this was a cable modem forum. I'm actually looking for a cable modem. Sorry for the confusion.

**Terrister** · 07-28-2006, 01:36 PM

It is both. There is also a forum in networking about modems.
Tell us about your ISP and how you will be using this modem. Routers,web hosting....?

thejazzmaster · 07-28-2006, 02:00 PM

I have a Linksys wired router I've been using, but I've been thinking about hooking up a wireless one. It's running four computers. My ISP is Comcast and I've had the Surfboard modem it came with since 2001. Recently it's just been shutting off on it's own so it's definitely time for a new one. That's about it.

**Terrister** · 07-28-2006, 06:45 PM

Did comcast provide this modem? If it worked well up until now, ask Comcast for another one.

I have used several cable modems and never seen much difference from one to another. The only reason to purchase one is if they are charging you a monthly fee.

thejazzmaster · 07-28-2006, 07:33 PM

No, it was just a one time deal when I signed up. I'm going to head over to Best Buy or something tomorrow and pick up a new one. Thanks a lot for the responses.

**Fox** · 07-28-2006, 07:45 PM

No no don't buy one!

Call comcast and tell them you're having connection problems and they'll replace the modem.

I had the guy over the other day for real problems, and he noticed the age of my modem (the aforementioned 'surfboard', I think it was a 3100 or something), and he called it an 'end of life' modem, meaning they were phasing it out. He went to his truck and got me a new one on the spot; no charge.

Definitely do that, don't waste your cash on a new modem- they run into the hundreds of dollars.

Plus then you won't have to register the mac address with them over the phone (a huge hassle, I had to help my neighbor, who did the same thing you are thinking of doing), they'll do it on the spot when the install it.

07-28-2006, 12:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
thejazzmaster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 9 OS: XP	I need a modem Are there any major performance differences between the different models? If so do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks a lot.

07-28-2006, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,639 OS: XP Professional	Hi, One can only recommend what he has seen in dial-up modems. What I have found through the years is that USRobotic modems are kind of a pain with driver issues that creep up a lot. I would not buy another USRobotic modem although I have owned several of them. There are many good ones out there, but the one that I like best is the Zoom brand modem. I have never had any driver issues with this brand and they are very reliable. Again, this is a personal choice. Just make sure that you buy the v.92 compliant when you purchase one. There are a lot of the old ones and non-brand name ones floating around out there that are very cheap (and you get what you pay for in that case), so stick with a known name that is v.92 compliant. You can buy a decent brand name modem for around $40 or so. the real high priced ones have a few extra features that one rarely uses, so I would stay away from giving away the farm for one of those. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread. Last edited by Tumbleweed36; 07-28-2006 at 12:56 PM.

07-28-2006, 01:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	It is both. There is also a forum in networking about modems. Tell us about your ISP and how you will be using this modem. Routers,web hosting....? __________________

07-28-2006, 06:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	Did comcast provide this modem? If it worked well up until now, ask Comcast for another one. I have used several cable modems and never seen much difference from one to another. The only reason to purchase one is if they are charging you a monthly fee. __________________

07-28-2006, 07:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	No no don't buy one! Call comcast and tell them you're having connection problems and they'll replace the modem. I had the guy over the other day for real problems, and he noticed the age of my modem (the aforementioned 'surfboard', I think it was a 3100 or something), and he called it an 'end of life' modem, meaning they were phasing it out. He went to his truck and got me a new one on the spot; no charge. Definitely do that, don't waste your cash on a new modem- they run into the hundreds of dollars. Plus then you won't have to register the mac address with them over the phone (a huge hassle, I had to help my neighbor, who did the same thing you are thinking of doing), they'll do it on the spot when the install it. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

07-28-2006, 01:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
thejazzmaster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 9 OS: XP	Oh I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot. I just assumed that this was a cable modem forum. I'm actually looking for a cable modem. Sorry for the confusion.

07-28-2006, 02:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
thejazzmaster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 9 OS: XP	I have a Linksys wired router I've been using, but I've been thinking about hooking up a wireless one. It's running four computers. My ISP is Comcast and I've had the Surfboard modem it came with since 2001. Recently it's just been shutting off on it's own so it's definitely time for a new one. That's about it.

07-28-2006, 07:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
thejazzmaster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 9 OS: XP	No, it was just a one time deal when I signed up. I'm going to head over to Best Buy or something tomorrow and pick up a new one. Thanks a lot for the responses.