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TribeLeader · Oct 30, 2005, 10:40 PM

I did a brief search/browse but didn't find what I was looking for. Sorry if I missed it.

I know virtually nothing about cable modems (stuck with dial-up here), but FINALLY, there's going to be a highspeed Internet access option where I live (Atlantic Broadband recently bought our independent, rural cable provider, Milestone). So, I'm preparing.

What cable modem(s) would you recommend? I'll connect it to an AEBS for use with 2 PBs.

We also have an old PC (Windows 98). Right now, we're using dial-up on the PBs (by way of Airport) as well as on the PC (using a separate line), which is used by a part-time secretary in a home office. Is there anyway to connect the PC to the cable access? If so, how? (This is probably an old question. Sorry.)

Finally, any idea how long it will take for the new company (Atlantic Broadband) to offer Internet access? The sale became final on 10/14, and I'm very curious!

Thanks in advance!

ghporter · Oct 31, 2005, 07:39 AM

Any standard DOCSIS cable modem should do the trick for you-DOCSIS is the signaling standard for cable modems in the U.S. You have a lot of options for brands, but I'll only address two: Motorola and Linksys. Motorola's SurfBoard modems are highly thought of, and they have the Big Name behind them, and you can get them for less than $50 if you shop around. Linksys also makes a well thought of modem, which costs somewhat more, though not much. Other brands are also available, and as far as overall performance, they're all just about equal-though I can't address their reliability or ease of setup.

One thing to consider though: your cable provider may either supply or require you to lease their own modem. This is something to consider before you buy your own modem.

TribeLeader · Oct 31, 2005, 08:29 AM

Thanks.

On your final note, I found out that while I *can* lease a modem from them, I am not required to. But thanks for the caution there.

tastethepain · Oct 31, 2005, 01:27 PM

I've used and stand by Linksys' cable modems. Never a problem.

I've used RCA's before, as well, and they suck. Slow and always breaking the connection.

Cheers,
Curtis

Apfhex · Nov 1, 2005, 01:39 PM

Motorola's Surfboard modems seem pretty solid in my experience, don't think you can go wrong with them.

If you were planning on attaching your cable internet to the Airport for internet access for the PowerBook's, then you could also get a wireless card for the PC to hook up to the network. I don't know what kind of software requirements there would be for that, though (if Win98 would work or not...). Probably depends on the card (do not get a cheap one!).

TribeLeader · Nov 1, 2005, 06:38 PM

Thanks.

Based on what I've read here and elsewhere, I'll look seriously at the Motorola modems.

I asked Atlantic Broadband for a timeline, but they couldn't really tell me anything. All I know is that new products are supposed to be available within a year (they're going to put all new lines in).

AB offers three levels of Internet access (depending on level of cable service) ...

Limited: 160kbps - $21.95 - 29.95

Preferred: 3Mbps - $33.95 - 45.95

Max: 5Mbps - $46.95 - 64.95

I'm looking at "preferred," at least, but will consider "max." How good is 3Mbps? (Of course, it's a lot better than the current 30kbps I'm getting now!

ginoledesma · Nov 3, 2005, 01:26 AM

Verizon DSL just recently upped my 1.5Mbps downstream/768Kbps upstream to 3Mbps/832Kbps for the same rate (I had asked to go down the cheaper 768Kbps/512Kbps). I think you will be more than happy with the preferred option, seeing as that you're coming from dial-up.

Just to give you something concrete -- my Mac gulped down the entire Mac OS 10.4.3 57MB download in under 3 minutes. :-)

bowwowman · Nov 3, 2005, 06:25 AM

And mine snagged the entire 97mb in << 4 minutes

And Toshiba also makes good cable modems. Had one a few years back notta problemo (have a Moto now, notta problemo either)

TribeLeader · Nov 15, 2005, 06:56 PM

Anyone rent cable modems from the cable company? Any thoughts on that?

ghporter · Nov 16, 2005, 07:07 AM

I personally think giving the cable company money so they can get more money from you is a Bad Idea. Cable modems are standardized and not terribly expensive; why give the cable company more money?

TribeLeader · Nov 17, 2005, 06:46 AM

Thanks. That's what I thought, too. Unfortunately, I had a couple people recommend the rental option to me, so I thought I'd double-check here.

DarwinX · Nov 17, 2005, 11:35 AM

I use the cable companies modem. It was a one time $40 deal which was cheaper than any other modem I could find at the time. All is working well