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Cable-Ready PCs
Top computer manufacturers like Compaq, Dell and Gateway have long trumpeted plans to offer "cable-ready" PCs. That is, computers the come with a built-in cable modem card, or a bundled Ethernet card and preloaded software So far, however, there has been more talk than action. 
If you're buying a new computer that you plan to use with a cable modem connection, make your life easier by choosing a model with an Ethernet card or have one installed at the time of purchase. Otherwise, a cable technician will have to pry open your PC and install one later.
Another word to the wise: Don't skimp on PC processing power or random access memory (RAM). A fast cable modem connection will be hamstrung by a slow PC. That's particularly true if you use online multimedia applications like streaming video and audio. Cable ISP Road Runner suggests the following minimum computer system requirements:
PC |
Macintosh |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Pentium 166 MHz or higher equivalent | PPC 603 or higher |
| RAM | 32 MB | 32 MB |
| Available hard disk space | 250 MB | 250 MB |
| Video Card | SVGA with 2 MB or 16 Bit Color Depth | 32 Bit Color |
| Operating System | Windows 95 or Higher | OS 8 Or Higher |
To sum up: If you can afford it, choose a machine with more, rather than less, horsepower; a large monitor at least 17 inches; and a high-quality video and audio card.
