* cable modem users .. POLL: do you rent or own your modem and why ?

[jaybittle]

I've been put into a unique situation... Due to the WTC tragedy, we've been working from home for the past couple of days.. my bosses authorized me to purchase a couple more cable modems to allow for more connectivity and allow for multiple people to access work's VPN.

Now, we are almost back at work, and my boss has told me that if I want to keep one of the cable modems for myself, that it wouldn't be a problem. Well, currently I rent a cable modem at $10 per month, and I was thinking that I can return my modem, and keep one of the purchased modems, that way I can save $10 per month..

However, I've always advised people against purchasing your own modem, because essentially if it breaks, its your responsibility to get it fixed. So the $10 is sort of an insurance policy against the modem breaking...

What do you guys think ?

Also, as an aside, which of these two cable modems do you think is better ?

3com "Tailfin"
or
Motorola Surfboard SB4100..

I currently have the tailfin, and now I have two, brand new SB4100's..

 

[fastman]

I just purchased my own Cable Modem, the SB4100 Motorola. It comes with a two (2) year warrenty. It was $155 with shipping. After two years at $10 per month for rental... you do the math.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

If the rental modem last less than 2 years then its your gain, but if its more than 2 years then its your loss, since you're paying more on top of what a retail one would cost, including the 2yr warranty. Another factor to consider though is if you do you work at home, how much down time can you afford to be without access to your workplace? With rental, you can walk in with a dead one and walk out with a functioning one in a day or less. If you buy, can you wait that long for an RMA (weeks or months)??

You do the math.
Plucky

 

[Lark888]

If I had to pay $200 - I would have rented since this stuff doesn't seem to last all that long anyway. There's always something better coming along. I had my ISDN modem just about 2 years before going to cable. I bought a SB4100 because Comcast & Circuit City made it almost free after the rebates. My cost will be around $14 when I'm done with the rebates (and I ALWAYS get my rebates - sometimes it takes a few calls )

 

[JackMDS]

Can not use the Poll.

I built mine!

But on a serious note.

This issue has nothing to do with Network (or Internet).

You need to do the same analysis as leasing a Car. Buying or renting house etc.

Taking into consideration:

1. How much the Cable Modem cost?
2. How much of your ISP fees will be saved.
Computer Hardware gets outdated within 12 to 18 months.