cable modem
 

First point -- never hit the escape key in the middle of a long post!! ...or in the middle of any post for that matter.
I just recently joined the many people on the broadband wagon when I signed up for a RoadRunner account. I find the sevice fairly stable in the area, though the price is a little high. I guess that'll last until local competitors drive it down. Go Grande!!
On to the real point...
Why would I want to purchase a cable modem from an electronics store? Are there ISP's that offer access and accounts without the hardware? If not, is there anyway that I could get online without using RoadRunner's servers (and without getting my own ISP or dedicated line, ala Cringely)?
Any thoughts or ideas?