Comcast cable internet... Which Modem to buy? Which Wireless router?

http://www.comcast.com/shop/buyflow/default.ashx

I have these options:

Lease a modem to connect one (1) computer
$3.00

I already own an approved modem
$0.00

Purchase a Gateway to connect up to 5 computers
$179.99

Okay.. Well me and my roommate want to share an internet connection.. TWO people.

Couple questions:

1. What does "lease a modem" mean? its only 3 bucks..aren't modems usually expensive if you buy them yourself? is there any advantage to using comcast's aside from cheaper price?

2. Do we really need to pay 180 bucks to route the connection to just two computers? I already bought a wireless router by the way.

3. Do I REALLY have to pay somebody 100 bucks to install this all for me? seriously..what the hell...I have their cable tv service here at my hometown, but not at the apartment from school... So , I can't use option C?? here are comcast's only options for installion:


A. Premium Installation on 1 Computer
A trained technician will install Comcast High-Speed Internet on your computer.

Connect today and save $40 off your installation
$99.00

B. Professional Installation on 2-5 Computers
Choose this option to install Comcast High-Speed Internet on 2-5 computers in your home.

Connect today and save $40.00 off your Home Networking installation
$149.99

C. Self Installation
Save Time and Money. Get Comcast Self Install Kit

You will receive the self installation kit in 3 to 5 business days. You must already be a Comcast Cable television customer to choose the self installation option. The special offer on Self Installation includes $9.95 Free Installation Kit.


$9.95



So, I would nearly pay already 100+ for modem and wireless router... and i seriously might HAVE to pay for connecting other computers and HAVE to pay AGAIN for installation? wow..that's like over 300-400 bucks?
Thanks for any help!

 

You either rent their modem for 3 bucks/month or buy your own, kind of self explanatory. When I started comcast service, tv and hsi, their tech had to come and activate the service and do something to set the modem up. Then I got my own wireless router and hooked up all the computers. Having someone set up your home network is a ripoff, usually takes a few minutes and costs $$$. I didn't have to pay any install fees

 

i didnt see any other option to not have them charge me for install fees aside from C which requires you have cable tv first. hmm..

 

I think I called them to start service, they may have had some special going on at the time, i forget now. good luck

 

I used an Linksys cable modem when I was with them. Call and find out what HW they recommend or works with there network. All you have to provide is the MAC address of the modem to them. Installation is real easy. All you need to do is connect the modem to the cable drop, then connect your existing router to it. You will be required to clone the mac address of the PC used to setup the account. Use a Wired connection only to do the initial setup. You may even have to do the initial setup with the modem directly connected to the pc, don't remember. I got tired of the huge lag and switched to FIOS when it came available.

 

I'd say if you plan on sticking to Comcast for more than 2 years or so, purchasing a modem will be cheaper.

The 3 bucks a month is a bit of a rip-off IMO. In New York City, for example, Time Warner borrows you the modem for free (well, for a $25 refundable deposit). (And rates for high-speed internet aren't higher as far as I can tell.)

Another option is to get a free modem and wireless router when signing up for Comcast. At least, this was an option I had when subscribing through a third-party agent such as www.comcastoffers.com or BestBuy.