Best ADSL Modem for OSX

DJ Rep

DJ Rep

How Interesting...
Hi I am about to sign up to broadband (at last :D ) and I want to get the best hardware for my money, I know that the best way to connect to a modem is through ethernet and that the ibook I will be getting has such a port but my (oldish) PC doesn't and so I would be using that through USB, so want I want is a Linux/Windows/OSX compatible modem. Any suggestions?
BTW what is the difference between a router and a modem?
 
Suggestions:
get any adsl modem and plug it to a router. A router is actually a "little" computer giving the computers in the network their ip (if dhcp) and allowing them access to the internet (over the adsl modem) and allowing them to access all comps in the lan (Local Area Network). Since you have an iBook (which might has an airport) and a PC (you should buy a network card for this that will cost around $5) an adsl modem PLUS a router is the best way. What do you think?
 
Zammy-Sam said:
Suggestions:
get any adsl modem and plug it to a router. A router is actually a "little" computer giving the computers in the network their ip (if dhcp) and allowing them access to the internet (over the adsl modem) and allowing them to access all comps in the lan (Local Area Network). Since you have an iBook (which might has an airport) and a PC (you should buy a network card for this that will cost around $5) an adsl modem PLUS a router is the best way. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Well I won't be using the PC and the iBook at the same time on the internet, ie the pc will be used for now until I get my ibook in a few months, and then that will be used. So would a USB modem such as the Alcatel Speedtouch 330 be OK and be as good as an ethernet one?
 
Well, eventhough it seems like there is no need for a router yet, I would still suggest this. Maybe you are not planing to use airport now, but I will bet, in few weeks after you are using your iBook plugged via usb, you will pray for a wireless solution..
I am not sure about those usb modem. It's not really common to use those. Does Alcatel offer macosx drivers? Alcatel is not really a great company so, I would doubt there are drivers for mac...
But if you say you will work on your mac only when it's there, why are you going for a usb modem?
 
Zammy-Sam said:
Well, eventhough it seems like there is no need for a router yet, I would still suggest this. Maybe you are not planing to use airport now, but I will bet, in few weeks after you are using your iBook plugged via usb, you will pray for a wireless solution..
I am not sure about those usb modem. It's not really common to use those. Does Alcatel offer macosx drivers? Alcatel is not really a great company so, I would doubt there are drivers for mac...
But if you say you will work on your mac only when it's there, why are you going for a usb modem?
Click to expand...
Because its gonna be a good 4 months till I get my ibook, will there be any difference in surfing with a USB modem than an ethernet one
 
Also whats gonna happen is that when I get my ibook I am going away to board for 6th form and the broadband is at my house for my parents to use on their PC, when I'm away I will probably be able to network up with the school's network for internet access, only on holidays and free weekends would I come back here to use this broadband, so do you think giving the circumstances that a USB would be OK and I wouldn't get any performance loss?
 
Ethernet is what you should be using. Much more dependable than USB. Like
In school, you'll be using Ethernet to connect to their network, not USB.
Get a NIC for the PC, like Sammy said, about $5.00.
 
bobw said:
Ethernet is what you should be using. Much more dependable than USB. Like
In school, you'll be using Ethernet to connect to their network, not USB.
Get a NIC for the PC, like Sammy said, about $5.00.
Click to expand...
Once I get the network card for my pc will I just be able to use any ethernet adsl modem such as the X-Modem CE?
How hard is it to configure network cards on linux?
Does anyone have some reccomended network cards for linux?
 
Check with your ISP and they should have a list of what modems work with their service.
 
bobw said:
Check with your ISP and they should have a list of what modems work with their service.
Click to expand...
When buying an NIC does it really matter which one I buy as long as it is 10/100MB compatible or should I look out for a particular one? Coz on ebay I can get one for £2.95 which is linux compatible
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top