Please help me choose a modem to buy

[DaedalCipher]

hanks in advance for any help on this subject. Here's the deal:

I currently live in Stillwater, OK. Not knowing anything about local service providers, I currently get 72 channels of cable tv (basic package) plus 8mb internet for $79.99, plus at the moment I pay an additional $10.00 per month to rent their (probably heavily used, though it seems fine) cable modem. The ten bucks a month to rent their stupid modem seems ridiculous, but I realize the entire aim of charging up the wazoo is so I will take the offer they gave me of buying a used modem for $55.00.

So, question 1: Where can I get a decent, reliable modem (doesn't have to be top of the line, as long as it handles 10-15 mbps downstream or whatever? Without any other input from knowledgeable sources, this d-link on newegg gets great reviews, is the right price, and seems a worthy investment. 29.99 after rebate and free shipping. Let me know please:

Brand D-Link
Model DCM-202
Spec
Interface 1 x 10/100 Fast Ethernet Port (Auto MDI/MDI-x)
1 x USB Port
1 x CATV-Coaxial Female Connector
Standards DOCSIS 2.0 Certified
DOCSIS 1.1 Compatible
DOCSIS 1.0 Compatible
IEEE 802.3 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
Max Transmission Rate 43Mbps Downstream,10Mbps Upstream
Features
Features Data Speed: Downstream - Receiver
Demodulation: 64/256QAM
Frequency Range: 91 to 857 MHz ±30KHz (Center)
Bandwidth: 6MHz
Signal Level: -15dBmV to +15dBmV (Automatically Gain Controlled by CM)

Data Speed: Upstream - Receiver
Modulation: 64/256QAM
TDMA: QPSK, 8QAM, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM
S-CDMA: QPSK, 8QAM, 16QAM, 32QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM
Frequency Range: 5 to 42MHz (edge to edge)
Bandwidth:
0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2MHz
TDMA: 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400KHz
S-CDMA: 1600, 3200 and 6400KHz

Operational Support System
Protocol: ICMP/SNMP V1, V2c, V3
MIB: MIB II/MCNS MIB

Minimum System Requirements:
Subscription with Cable Internet Service Provider
Coax Cable Jack
Ethernet-enabled Device
To Use USB Connection
Computer with:
Windows XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4
CD-ROM Drive
20MB Hard Disk Space
USB 1.1 Port

High-Speed Internet Connectivity
Always On, Always Connected
DOCSIS 2.0 CableLabs Certified
Ethernet or USB Connectivity


ADDED QUESTION: If anyone lives in or is familiar with cable and internet providers for Stillwater, OK, do you suggest a different company besides Suddenlink? They seem alright, but as I'm not in a contract, I'll bite the bullet on activation and go with someone that will in the long run be cheaper.

Thanks again

 

[JackMDS]

In most cases any DOCSIS 2.0 should work, but you never know what tricks are up the long sleeve of an ISP.

Log to their support site and see if there is a list of supported Modems.

Otherwise, whatever you get make sure that you can return it.

Could be that paying $55 is good deal if they would give you another modem in case something happens.

 

[RebateMonger]

If there's a local Best Buy or Circuit City, check out what modems they are selling. Those will likely work with your local Cable Modem companies. As JackMDS notes, most cable companies will provide support pages for the modems that they sell or support.

Once you decide on a model, it's not hard to find a NEW cable modem for $55 or so after rebate. They usually sell for $70 to $80 new.

Regarding cable providers, there's seldom more than one company that provides service to a particular town or neighborhood.

 

[ImDonly1]

You can get a Motorola SurfBoard modem (one of the most popular modems IMO). For $25-$30 after rebate.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/837833

 

[DaedalCipher]

went to their website, and they do have a support page with modems listed. Looks like the dcm-202 actually is already one of them. Thanks for the heads up guys