When I first signed up for cable broadband access, I didn't know much about the equipment I would need. I rented a modem from my provider. The modem they rented me, initially, was a Motorola SURFboard SB4100 (previous model). At the time, I didn't have a network card, so I used the USB port. It was cake to install it in Windows XP. I installed the driver on my PC, plugged the cable into the modem, and plugged the modem into my USB port. Worked like a charm. After using it for about 5 months, I decided to buy my own modem. I did a lot of research and it seems everyone recommends the Motorola. It is known for it's speed and reliability. So, I bought the SB4200. This is like the SB4100 with some updated styling. When installing it, I decided to use a network card so I could free up some of the resources being used by the USB port. Again, it was a breeze. Unplug old modem, uninstall USB drivers, plug in new modem. Ready to surf. I have heard of others having configuration problems with 3Com modems and I can say that the Motorola offers trouble-free setup and service.

The LEDs on the front help you troubleshoot problems and allow you to determine what is actually going on. The standby button allows you to turn off internet access without turning off the power. The USB and ethernet ports allow you to connect 2 PCs to the modem without a router (though a router would perform this job more efficiently). My only complaint is that you have to physically unplug the modem to turn it off. A couple I had a problem with my ISP where I needed to reset the modem. It would have been nice to just turn it off without having to crawl under my desk and unplug it. Other than that, this modem rocks!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 75