Best external modem?

[Jingoro]

Does anyone know what's the best external modem (in terms of connectivity, etc) out there? My area still doesn't have broadband, and even when it eventually does, having an external modem as backup (can use it with the router) would be good...

 

[blstriker]

I've always liked my 3com external modems which are all pretty fast. The only downside is they're all pricey.