"compatible" routers

I was looking around for a new ISP today, and they have a selection of routers that are compatible with their service. I was just wondering if this is just your typical B.S. from these companies (boo comcast), or if I do need one of these routers.

ISP selection is very limited in my area unfortunately...

 

Are you looking here? Basic Information about Comcast Supported Routers, Gateways, and Adapters

Some of those seem to be combined cable modems/routers.

I have comcast and I just have a plain Motorola Surfboard with my own router. I guess they're willing to give you support for the routers they list, otherwise you're limited to them supporting a standalone modem. Any trouble past the modem would then be your liability, unless you're plugged directly into it (no router) with your computer. I have to do this occasionally for troubleshooting purposes since my router is hacked to bits with custom firmware.

 

they tell me to rent a router or use one of there "approved" ones. list found here: Comcast approved routers

 

Most of those look like stand-alone modems. I think renting a modem and buying your own router is a safe bet. Cable modems are usually expensive to buy outright and then comcast can always blame you for any problems you encounter. Whereas if you rent, it's their property, and they are responsible for it operating correctly.

 

Ah. Stupid me for not knowing the difference between a modem and a router. my bad. Yeah renting one is a better option, but that adds $7 a month to the price. Convincing my dad to upgrade from $43 to $50 was hard enough... dang. on the $43 plan, I download at MAX 170 Kbps, this would hopefully up it to 4-5 Mbps.