DirecDuo Setup - $99 400K Internet download

[Bohemian]

I just ordered this so I hope the "too good to be true" axiom doesn't hold. DirecDuo antenna, modem, etc.

One Call Hughes DirecDuo Dish for $99

21" Elliptical Satellite Dish
External USB Modem 98 Only
PCI Card for Windows 95 or NT 4.0
Dual-Mode Linear LNBF
Universal Mount - roof or outside wall
DirecPC Turbo Internet Software
User documentation to aid with installation and operation

 

[rigor2]

whats the per month cost for unlimited use?

The latency (upstream) will still be modem speed, so its okay for downloading warez n stuff but not good for playing online games.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

I'd recommend reading up about their service. I've had experience with them and it wasn't all that rosy. If it's the ONLY broadband alternative in your area, it might be the way to go. I've heard and read of download limits, bandwidth constraints and a lack of Win2k support (which they may have addressed now).

Yeah, you'll still have modem uploads but the dish downloads are nifty and there's always the novelty factor.

By the way, I'd recommend buying a slot cooler to put next to the board the signal comes in to. Depending on your overall case cooling, that can get mighty warm. A slot cooler's a cheap way to help get rid of the heat that thing produces.

 

[Erazzor]

Actually it's not that bad, I am running DirecPC on WinMe right now. Yeah, it sure doesn't support Win2K, but if you ain't got any other options, that 400Kbps is mighty fine. I get download speeds of upto 70K per second. I think for 39.99 and your own ISP (even a free one) you get the unlimited surfer plan.
But they do tend to cut you off if you download more than 200MB in a couple of hours, for 6-7 hrs.
The PCI modem generates too much heat, that's why I went with the USB, and it works like a charm.
Upload speed sucks at 28.8Kbps, but whatchyagonnado?

Good Luck, and welcome to QUASI Broadband, it's the Margraine of Broadband, it's Diet Broadband. (Dr. Evil style)

 

[Unclemo]

This actually looks pretty good. I am out in the middle of nowhere... and I have been trying to get DSl... but for the last two months they have been having problems getting a connection... I am bout to give up... But these upload speeds on this are crap. Anyone have experience with this? How much do you notice the modem upload requests speed? (I am not talking about uploading files or other big stuff)... just talking about web surfing and such.

 

[Gorham]

$50+ just for for shipping? Sounds like gouging to me.

 

[gr8snakee]

I have one of these birdbaths. I used it and got nailed with the fap plan all the time. True you can use the free isps with it however it absolutely sucks for anything but warez and mp3s. I was on the 100 hrs/month plan 4 34.99(now 39.99 unlimmited). I took it down. Wasnt worth the headaches. It gets to a point where the dial modem works better than the satelite. hughes Cs sucks ass too. And ive always heard the usb modems were suck. I am in an area where satelite is the only broadband open and I would choose to stick with dial up based upon my experiences with the support.


This is one of those Buyer Beware Posts.
Make sure you read up thoroughly on this Product.

 

[Unclemo]

Why don't you have 56k modem upload speeds? Damn... I have my server running NT... so I guess ya all are saying that it is excessively hot? If I load my server up with fans will I be good to go? Gosh it sucks to be far away from the world....

What?!!!! 50 for shipping! What a bunch of $)!^

 

[Erazzor]

As long as you have proper ventilation, you will be aight.
And if you do connect at 56K you will get 56K speeds!!

Bit in all I have been using my DirePC for the last 11 Months and is certainly one of the best 'upgrade's I ever had.

Quasi BroadBand is Nice.

 

[RobsTV]

All 56k modem's only "download" at 56k.
Uploads are stuck at 33.6 max with any 56k modem.

 

[Bohemian]

No broadband here, so I was going to go with Satellite anyhow. The package I bought usually goes for between $190-$400, so I was wondering if anyone had heard good or bad on the $99 deal. I'll know in two days I guess...

 

[Unclemo]

Let us know how it goes... I am going to have to do this I guess... I have to make sure DSL is not going to work here... But, my DSL connection would only be 144K uploads and downloads anyhow. If you guys had to chose between that speed and this deal what would you go after? Let me know your oppinion of choice. Thanks

 

[Bohemian]

I'd go DSL if I could. I live in the middle of nowhere though.

 

[popeye44]

DUAL service will be available in january or february according to MSN and AOL and numerous others... this will greatly reduce latency but it will not be quite as fast as most DSL subscribers currently get "according to them" just thought i'd throw in my two nickels
.02 + tax shipping and handling insurance fees etc..

 

[IceBlast]

This is a ripoff. $99 is for dish only. Costs another $249 for everything else you need. I've been thinking about doing this myself, but for <$200. BTW these can be converted to 2-way when that comes out in 3 or 4 months.

 

[Wallysaurus]

Anyone interested in sattellite broadband should check this out.

 

[Unclemo]

What is this two-way stuff? I am about to read that link.. I think that is what I need...

I WANT THIS TWO WAY STUFF NOW! Does anyone know when this will be available? When it first gets off the ground will it be avalable to everyone no matter where they live?

 

[Bohemian]

IceBlast: THis is for Dish, modem, mounting kit, software, et al. No thoer purchase required for DirectPC except service. DirecTV will require the receiver, but it is still a good deal for DirecPC with the ability to add TV.

 

[Unclemo]

How do you know that this is capable of two-way communication later? If I get this can I easily and cheaply upgrade to two-way when it becomes available?

 

[how2upgrade]

Wallysaurus
is that service available now???
i didn't see any pricing plan???

 

[Bohemian]

Here are the service rates.

Rates

 

[Unclemo]

Wait.. wait... wait... I thought it was unlimited for 39 a month????

OK, here is the ...price plan... which does have the unlimited plan for 39.99 a month... and for $49.99 a month it has the ISP included.

But, the (DUMB) salesperson I called said this satellite is not campatible with the new two-way transmission coming out later...

 

[ExplodingBoy]

Does anyone know if this service can be shared using Win98 connection sharing, wingate, proxy+, etc? I guess not but I see that it uses some kind of special access software so I wonder.

And what is withthe $50 charge for shipping. Sheesh.

 

[Bohemian]

My office uses Spoon Proxy with the DirecPC and it works fine. I just wanted it at home.

 

[Unclemo]

I don't like this special software... reminds me of AOL... which to my knowledge it not capable of internet sharing due to their always changing dns #s... if they do that sh!t then no way am I going to use em.