What type of external broadband modem should I get?

My laptop has the following ports.
Fast Infra Red port, PS/2 port, 9 pin serial port, 2 x USB ports (v1.1, not v2.0 unfortunately), PC card slots (PMCIA) Accepts 1 x Type 111 Card or 2 x Type 1 or 2 x Type 11 PC cards, Normal modem phone jack (RJ11?) where I plug in my phone line to connect up to my internal dialup modem, IEEE 1394 High Performance Serial Bus I/O connector.

I'm going to have to buy an external modem to go broadband so would like to know which is the fastest modem I should get to hook up to which port. Most people use the USB ports, I know, but is that the best/fastest option?
For example should I buy something that plugs into the PC card slots in USB 2.0? Does this bypass the v1.1 hardware installed inside my laptop? Bazza

gateway Solo 9300 laptop, 288mb RAM, P2/400, 30 gig h/drive and 10 gig h/drive, with dual boot W98SE and XP Pro (although have to use W98SE to connect to net, at present, due to lack of XP modem driver.
Hope you folks can provide technical reasons for going to one particular modem, or other. Baz

 

Using Cable or DSL?

Best (fastest) is to get a PCMCIA ethernet card.
Then, IMO for modems:

Cable: Motorola SB5120
DSL: I've heard 2wire stuff is good.

 

If you have a PCMCIA slot, you could go with a Ethernet Nic, or WiFi nic to connect to the modem. Depending on the provider that you plan on going with, you will most likely get a modem from them.

If going with SBC, you can get the 2-Wire Home Portal, which has USB, Ethernet, WiFi, HPNA networking. Which helps with whatever needs that you may need.

Linksys has both Cable Modem/Router and ADSL/Router combos. I personaly would go with Modem, Wifi router such as the Linksys WRT series.

 

Thanks all, for the replies. I will be using broadband, through the normal copper wire telephone line. Here in Australia, you occasionally get deals with free connection, sometimes free modem. Usually you have to purchase a modem at around AUD$90 (or USD$70 approx.).

I figure if they are going to force me to buy a modem then I might as well buy the best that I can, rather than just settle on their "default" modem, whatever it is (usually USB--but it would plug into my USB 1.1 ports). Would a new v2.0 USB external modem override the built in v1.1 ports on my laptop?
Bazza

 

USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.x

 

Hey Bazza, which company or deal did you have in mind out of curiosity?

 

I know that, but that is not the question I asked. I want to know if I plug in a USB 2.0 external modem through a PC card port, or USB port, or whatever, will it override the laptop's built in USB 1.1 support (and give me USB 2.0 speeds). Bazza

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Looking at Westnet. Good reputation here in Cairns. Lady family friend has good results and support from Bigpond. It will all depend on the combination of modem/deal, connection fees, contract, and reputation (applicable in Cairns), I guess.

Lots of different deals, different opinions, etc. Very confusing. What are your thoughts? Bazza
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There aren't really any USB 2.0 modems.

USB 1.1 has more than enough bandwith for modems.


As far as Westnet, I really haven't ever used or heard of them here.

I'm with Optus, but only because they gave me a free modem and connection, as well as 50 calls a month.

However, once my contract expires, I would prefer a small company. They seem to have better deals and service.

Important thing is to not tie yourself into any long-term contract until you are sure, and always ring their support line first before you join.

What are the details of the deal, or you haven't gone that far yet?

 

I am on cable broadband. I use a Toshiba modem and use the USB port and connect consistantly at 3K + kb. Suits me fine.

Jack

 

Insomniac. I am seeing adverstisements for 2.0 compliant cable modems out there. Am I reading it wrong? Thanks

Jack

 

I haven't really seen any USB 2.0 cable modems either...the SB 5120 is listed as high speed USB, but doesnt specifically say that.

Unfortunately, USB 1.1 is not enough for everyone. I was just recently upgraded to 9Mbps down. Thats fine on USB 1.1, but other areas have been upgraded to 15 and 16Mbps, which is faster than the speed USB 1.1 can provide.

At one time USB 1.1 was enough, however thats quickly changing, at least in the US.

 

You are probably confusing it with Docsis 2.0.

 

No deal yet. Still looking. Looks like USB1.1 is going to be well and truly fast enough for Broadband through the copper telephone line. That has eliminated one line of enquiry. Thanks guys. Bazza

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WOW, 15-16Mbps. I can only dream of that sort of speed. I'm jealous!

I don't doubt that speed, just have never heard of it, and yes, USB 1.1 isn't fast enough for that.

I think a lot of people get confused between a KiloBit and a KiloByte, I know I used to.

There are 8 KiloBits to 1 KiloByte.


Anyway, Bazza, as far as the modem is concerned, make sure you get one that is either ADSL2 compliant, or can be flashed at a later date, as that is the way the industry here is heading.

That's assuming off-course your ISP supports it.

 

Thanks adryn........... You are prob right.

CC

 

Yeah, check it out. Cox is doing this to compete with Verizon FIOS (Fiber), which you can get at speeds up to 30Mbps.

http://www.cox.com/Fairfax/HighSpeedInternet/Default.asp

9Mbps is insane, I can't imagine 15, much less 30.

 

I can't get over the prices, very competitive, even after I convert it to Aussie dollars!

The Cox Premier rate is what we pay here, but for a lousy 512 kb connection, with a measly 1 GB download limit. (Verizon's rates look just as appealing too, apart from their top one)

Now that is what you call true Broadband!

I think I might start replying to the "Get a Greencard" spam from now on.

 

Rofl!

 

Don't go !!!!!!!!! We need all the Aussie MG members we can get. Bazza

PS: Seriously. Thanks to you and Adrynalyne, and the others who replied.
Gives me lots to think about, and lots of questions to ask.

TV program, last night, ACA on Channel 9, mentioned www.phonechoice.com.au to check out various rates/deals, on phones and broadband. Will check it out once I log off from MG. Westnet have a $0 connection fee, $0 modem deal, 12 month's contract. Gotta check that out too. Bazza

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Yes, I saw that item on phonechoice.

One of the best broadband sites, and certainly the most respected in Australia is WhirlPool.

Worth a good look before you commit.