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Purchasing Cable Modem?

16 years ago

My most recent cable bill showed I'm now being charged a $5.00 monthly lease for their modem. I have a choice to buy theirs for $50. or buy one (same as cable's) from Wal-Mart for $53. I'm willing to spend more than $53 if there might be a cable modem that does anything more than just handle a signal. Is there? If so, what would it do? Thanks, Gene

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Comments (5)

mike_kaiser_gw
16 years ago
The one you purchase won't do anything different. Obviously the payback is 10 months. If you planning on keeping their service for longer than that...
kudzu9
16 years ago
Well, you could probably spend less than $50 and get a great cable modem. Any newer modem will likely meet your needs. To give you a little better advice, it would be useful to know what operating system is on your computer, whether you have any other computers, and, if so, whether they are going to be hard wired or connected wirelessly.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
one thing to consider when not buying from them is that if you need assistance and you do not have "their" modem often their answer will be sorry that is not our supported product etc.
candler
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, all, for clarifying the modem and helping me make up my mind. I just ordered a Motorola SB5101U. It's the same as what I have from Charter Cable. There's just something about owning than leasing, isn't there.

RC, I had a modem problem in March/April. The first two guys did cable stuff although I kept saying it was the modem. It belonged to Charter. The third guy replaced the modem. Charter charged me for three service calls but wiped it out when they finally determined it was their modem. You're right on target.

The newly ordered modem has a one year warranty. I plan to remain with Charter so maybe in time it'll work out. Maybe not. Anyway, thanks for everyones input. Gene
kudzu9
16 years ago
Look at it this way: you'll be money ahead before the 1-year warranty expires. Also, if you order electronic products and pay with a credit card, some of the banks offer an additional 1-year warranty beyond what the manufacturer provides. I've got 3 credit cards, and each one offers this as a freebie. You should check your cards out and see if any of them provide this benefit.

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