difference between a $10 cable modem and a $70?

[broshiggie]

Hey all, i just signed up for cable internet and am deciding whether to buy or rent a modem. The rental fee from Comcast is $3/month, and i do not know what kind of modem they will send me. On ebay i am seeing cable modems go for $10-70 (would post a link but i dont think thats allowed... just do a search for "cable modem").

Is there a significant difference between cable modems? I know dialup modems have different speeds (56k, 28.8, etc), is there some type of benchmark for cable modems as well? Or do the expensive cable modems have more stable connections?

If there is no difference between the $10 modems and the $70, i think i will buy the $10, but if there is a significant difference i will most likely rent (if the features on the $70 are deemed as neccesary). Basically, i would like to know what features i should be looking for in a cable modem, and any problems with specific modems i should be on the lookout for.

Thanks for your help!

 

[JackMDS]

No matter what you do make sure that you get an External Ethernet Modem (do not take Internal or USB even for free).

If it is a new Modem it does not matter what you get, they are all capable to "push" more than Comcast will.

These Modems are On all the time, they tend to become quirky after two years. Thus $3 rent makes sense.

 

[skyking]

No matter what you do make sure that you get an External Ethernet Modem (do not take Internal or USB even for free).

Amen to that!!

 

[xSauronx]

well at least if you rent and the modem screws up theyll replace it right?
ive heard alot of good things about motorola cable modems, have their 5100 myself and its done me fine so far