modems

A friend has some kind of "winmodem"; and I suggested that he get a "proper" modem that would allow him to use Linux.(dsl and cable are not options)
I later did a quick search for hard wired modems, found one that cost $250.
Are there good, cheaper ones? The $250 price would make his cost of using Linux more than that of Windows.

$250! That seems a bit steep! I use a Diamond SupraExpress 56e (that's an external serial modem). Just about all external serial modems are fine (you could always buy one on the strict understanding that if it doesn't work with Linux the shop takes it back). These are around £40, so, say $60 max.

thanks for the info. Have just done a longer search on pricewatch and have found that the manufacturers of modems seem VERY coy about stating if their modems are linux compatible. They will mention linux in one paragraph, and then fail to list it under "requirements".
Is there a web site (not too ancient) that lists compatible modems.
Thanks