cable modem shopping
 

So I finally took the plunge and ordered cable internet service. I opted to buy my own modem rather than rent one for $3 a month. Not knowing much about cable modems, I tried to find some reviews of them, but C/NET was of no use and I couldn't locate any reviews on Tom's Hardware Guide. Can anyone knowledgeable on the subject tell me if there's any real difference between the various cable modems on the market?

I have used a couple different RCA cable modems I bought at Radio Shack and found zero difference in terms of performance, quality etc. Some LOOK different. Some have side mounting brackets so you can screw it into a wall or a computer desk. Thats all I have noticed.

Just call your cable company and make sure it's a supported make/model before you buy.

Otherwise, I'd get something cheap, with a decent warranty.

I've been really happy with my Motorola SB5100 (SurfBoard) cable modem. It seems to be one of the more popular and reliable models in the market. It can be had for aroun $50 - $70 depending on Mail In Rebates.

I had two Comcast RCA modems and they were both junk, both breaking in less than a year. According to the cable tech, the RCA modems are known to be low quality. Now I have a Motorola that doesn't look like it was made during the B&W TV era.

I bought the linksys because it is designed to be stackable with the other linksys stuff

I got the Zoom model 5041 - had no problems with it on 2 different PCs and 2 different windows versions.
Best option is to get a list of supported modems from the cable companies web site.
Go to a Best Buy/Circuit city type site, check out the prices for each one and then search for reviews on the ones in your price range for the different specs and their pros and cons.
At least that was how I did it, and it worked out well for me so far.

Ditto.