realcoolcat
join:2009-06-22
|  What are the risks of buying an used modem?
I'm currently a Bell victim and I intend to migrate to Teksavvy soon. I've been looking for a modem and I just saw an used one that interested me (SpeedTouch 516).
I'm a newbie and I'm wondering what should I know before buying a pre-owned modem (besides hardware malfunction). Do I need to check if the modem is associated with an ISP or things like this? |
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AkFubar
Resistance is Futile
join:2005-02-28
Toronto Can.
 ·TekSavvy Solutions..
·Bell Sympatico
1 edit | Caution is always good when buying any used electronics. Often you are buying someone elses problems. The added issue there is no warranty or a limited warranty which may or may not cover you if something goes wrong with the modem. The 516 can be reflashed with factory firmware so usually that's not a problem.
--
"No matter where you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24
1 edit | reply to realcoolcat
I really don't see why one would like to do
this unless it sells under ten bucks or so... |
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vintagewino
join:2003-07-22
Grimsby, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..
 ·magicjack.com
·Look Communications
1 edit | said by Bicephale  :I really don't see why one would like to do this unless is sells under ten bucks or so...
Agreed. I believe Caneris is selling them new for ~$45. Manufacturer's warranty.
Picked up some laptop HD's for a "good price" last year. Batted 1000 - all were duds. |
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labblue8
join:2007-01-23
Mississauga, ON
| reply to realcoolcat
I've batted 1.000 with the modem I purchased used (at the time DSL modems were much more in store). Most sellers are decent people, it's obviously best to buy from somewhere with a feedback mechanism - it makes it harder for poor traders to survive. |
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realcoolcat
join:2009-06-22 | reply to Bicephale
That's exactly the price asked: 10 bucks. |
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Gwai Lo Dan
join:2007-01-24
St Catharines, ON
·CIKTEL Telecom
| I would recommend just bringing a laptop and trying the modem with your ppoe information (user name and password). If it works, it works. I would bring a laptop just for security, since a keylogger on the seller's computer would capture your information. |
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moggy
join:2006-01-08
Peterborough, ON | reply to realcoolcat
I have been very luck with yard sales flee markets ect
speed stream modems often go for $5 and I bought a 2wire for for $15 or 20. never had a bad one . |
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anynomous
join:2003-06-25
montreal
·TekSavvy Solutions..
·Bell Sympatico
| reply to labblue8
said by labblue8 : Most sellers are decent people, agree 100%
half the parts on my pc were bought used
that is cpu, motherboard, video card, power supply, router
etc
never had an issue with any stuff i bought used,
actually the only time i have problem, is when i buy new hardware,
i have more faith in simple citizen than any businesses.
and all the stuff i sold was 100% working |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24
·TekSavvy Solutions..
| reply to realcoolcat
If you can afford the risk, transportation cost included (gas, bus)...
But you've got to need an ST! Why not save the money and acquire
a really satisfying toy??? The TP-Link TD-8841 has the same ChipSet
without the FirmWare 'DMT'-hostile limitations, for example. |
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dslrocker3
join:2002-05-26
Toronto
| reply to Gwai Lo Dan
said by Gwai Lo Dan :I would recommend just bringing a laptop and trying the modem with your ppoe information (user name and password). If it works, it works. I would bring a laptop just for security, since a keylogger on the seller's computer would capture your information. That won't always work. If there is no ADSL service provisioned on the phone line where you are picking up the modem, you won't be able to properly test it. |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24
·TekSavvy Solutions..
| Quite right... On top of it, imagine that the MoDem once
shared a location which these regularily visited at night:
MoDems are so warm and cozy... Is it worth ten bucks?! |
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pablo2525
join:2003-06-23 | reply to realcoolcat
I try to buy used as it's good for the environment and typically I get a good deal. Of course there are risks but usually they're small and in the end, I believe you come out ahead (more $ in your pocket). |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24 | But if one ends up dealing with over-heated capacitors
due to the long life span then it may not be that green. |
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dissapbell
@bell.ca | reply to realcoolcat
Nowadays new modems are cheap .
»Re: Used DSL modem? |
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pablo2525
join:2003-06-23 | reply to Bicephale
Operative word: if. |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24 | If BadLuck = 1 then GoTo Start |
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pablo2525
join:2003-06-23
·TekSavvy Solutions..
| I'm not quite so pessimistic. I expect to have some issues. If it's constant over over some pain-point, I'll try something different.
I'm not opposed to buying new, I just don't believe it's always necessary.
FWIW, I've never owned a _new_ vehicle.
--
pablo
openSUSE 11.0;KDE
ISP: TekSavvy DSL; backhauled via a 6KM wireless link |
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shepd
join:2004-01-17
Kitchener, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..
| reply to realcoolcat
Almost ALL my PC parts are either bought used or donated. Stop giving manufacturers a reason to keep making junk!
And NONE of them have come with any pests. Of course I almost immediately open any of them up to see if there's any obvious repairs needed, or because they're going to be parted out, so I would quickly notice any issues like that.
If you are *really* worried about it, and it isn't a high-voltage item like a TV/microwave/powersupply, doesn't have any mechanical parts (including relays), and aren't worried about it being damaged, you should be able to rinse/soak the item in 99-100% Isopropyl Alcohol for a moment to evacuate any life forms  Just remember to let it dry for a couple of days after! |
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Bicephale
join:2005-09-24 | reply to Bicephale
MoDems are exposed to the outside world and they're built cheap. |
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