Do I really need a broadband connection?

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Zedtom

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
2,146
0
0
I've got dial-up now. I consistently get 53.2 to 54.6 kbps, but never lower than 52.0

I don't download a lot of stuff, but when I must, it's not really that big a deal to wait... I just find something else to do. I know I'm missing out on streaming video and other high speed treats, but I've got plenty of music, etc. that I never really use.

My second phone line is cheaper than one single line, since I got in on a special deal. My internet service is cheap but unlimited, and always strong with no cutoffs.

If I was to get high speed broadband, it would be $50 to hook up, $50 bucks a month, and another $200 bucks or so for a modem, router, wiring, and three network cards.

Am I really missing something here?
 
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Garet Jax

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2000
6,369
0
71
I think you are, but that is me. I download a lot of Apache software as well as other freeware/open source and it is painful on broadband!
 
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MithShrike

Diamond Member
May 5, 2002
3,440
1
0
If you buy your own modem it will most likely be about $50. The company will install it for you. Much cheaper that way.
 
codeyf

codeyf

Lifer
Sep 6, 2000
11,854
3
81
That sounds expensive for setup/monthly for broadband. Who is that with and is it cable or dsl? A lot of people jumped on Verizon's price cut to $35/month. If you have Verizon for your phone and LD also, sign up for the veriations program and it drops down to $30. All for a 1.5/128k connection if your line qualifies for it, otherwise 768/128.
 
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Kenny

Platinum Member
Oct 12, 2002
2,567
0
76
If you don't need it, don't get it.

It's a waste of money IMO.

Once you get it, you will never go back.

You'll buy more and more CD-Rs, more disk space, etc....

Gonna cost you more $ in the long run.

I have DSL at my apartment, and if I were to get dialup again I would rather set the place on fire.
 
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Dacalo

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2000
8,778
4
76
uh why are you asking us?

if you don't need it and you are satisfied with current setup, then don't bother
 
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Zedtom

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
2,146
0
0
The quote came from Comcast, who provides my local phone service. I would purchase my own equipment from NewEgg or somewhere, and do all my own setup and wiring. But you still have to pay to have them connect the cable to your modem.

Actually, Dacalo, I want someone to convince me that I'm wrong not to upgrade.
 
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Ranger X

Lifer
Mar 18, 2000
11,218
1
0
I agree with t60. If you've never experienced it, you won't desire it.

Too bad it doesn't work that way with sex. :D
 
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thraxes

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2000
1,974
0
0
Originally posted by: t60
If you don't need it, don't get it.

It's a waste of money IMO.

Once you get it, you will never go back.

You'll buy more and more CD-Rs, more disk space, etc....

Gonna cost you more $ in the long run.

I have DSL at my apartment, and if I were to get dialup again I would rather set the place on fire.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly...I could save a lot of money but... NAAAAAAAAAH :p
 
FoBoT

FoBoT

No Lifer
Apr 30, 2001
63,084
15
81
fobot.com
Originally posted by: Zedtom
Am I really missing something here?
Click to expand...

you aren't connecting a LAN of 4 people/6 computers

i wouldn't want to use dial up to connect my home LAN to the internet, 4 people sharing dial up would suck
 
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NakaNaka

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
6,304
1
0
OMG - Life without my super fast cable modem would be hell. I mean literally. Going to a friends place with 56K wants me to tear my hair out. I seriously don't know what I would do without my always on, fast connection. It's so nice constantly having the temperature/weather in your toolbar, running Kazzaa all night if need be with no problem, downloading 400meg tv shows in no time, just leaving AIM on away no big deal, checking sports scores at 3AM because I fell asleep during OT.

 
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LeeTJ

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2003
4,899
0
0
Originally posted by: Zedtom
I've got dial-up now. I consistently get 53.2 to 54.6 kbps, but never lower than 52.0

I don't download a lot of stuff, but when I must, it's not really that big a deal to wait... I just find something else to do. I know I'm missing out on streaming video and other high speed treats, but I've got plenty of music, etc. that I never really use.

My second phone line is cheaper than one single line, since I got in on a special deal. My internet service is cheap but unlimited, and always strong with no cutoffs.

If I was to get high speed broadband, it would be $50 to hook up, $50 bucks a month, and another $200 bucks or so for a modem, router, wiring, and three network cards.

Am I really missing something here?
Click to expand...

that's not really an apples to apples comparison now is it??

if you do get a modem, router, wiring and 3 nic cards then 3 people could surf simultaneously where as they can't now.

also if you network all your computers you can also share your resources, HD, Printers, Scanners etc. so it's really not a valid comparison.

as to price, because your a residential customer you will pay a flat fee for all your local calls so yes, dial up is cheaper.

do you really NEED broadband?? i could argue you don't really need a dialup and since no dialup is cheaper than having a dialup I don't see why you don't just cut it off altogether.

i'm not exactly sure what your looking for, do you want someone to tell you, good job man, you are really a frugal guy? or do you want someone to give you a good reason to get broadband.

If your really looking for an excuse, then just get it. if you just want kudos from strangers, Kudo's to you man.

:)
 
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wyvrn

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
10,074
0
0
Dialup is a pain because you have to wait wait wait for a page to download. I am not talking files or porn, I am talking web pages. And what if you want to multitask and download *gasp* more than one page at a time. And on the off-chance you need a driver for your video card or want to see any multimedia content like trailers, you will wait FOREVER on dialup. This ties up the phone line. That is unless you get a second phone line. Oh wait! A second phone line + dialup access is about the same cost as a broadband line in most places. Silly rabbit!

Yes I need broadband. Two people use computers in my house. Cost of having two extra phone lines and dialup accounts is more than broadband plus router. I do lot's of schoolwork online, and I like broadband because I can upload/download my assignments/notes quickly and when I need them.

Playing games online is merely a bonus to having broadband. But I would lose more than I gain with dialup, so I pay for broadband.

What I really want is a cheaper / slower broadband line. Something in the area of 512/128 would be nice. I really don't need 1.5Mbs average speed download. I would love to pay less for less service. Say $30 a month instead of $50?

That is where providers are struggling. The way the networks are currently built, they need so many $50 a month subscribers to cover their fixed costs. Right now, offering slower access to more people at a cheaper rate would reduce their profit levels (because each customer has a fixed rate and the variable rate of additional bandwidth is less than the fixed rate of equipment, maintenance, etc..) This is according to several articles I have read. Right now the access is faster and more expensive than many people want to pay, so there are areas of the market the providers cannot penetrate to raise their income.
 
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Zedtom

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
2,146
0
0
Thanks for the suggestion RossMAN. I don't consider myself to be too frugal. I have no problem upgrading motherboards or video cards, just for the heck of it.

I'm just trying to get someone to admit that broadband it a status thing. Yeah, maybe I will do it.
 
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LeeTJ

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2003
4,899
0
0
Originally posted by: Zedtom
I'm just trying to get someone to admit that broadband it a status thing. Yeah, maybe I will do it.
Click to expand...

So, it is a status thing and your are going to do it for status?? or it's NOT a status thing and although you TRIED to get us to admit it was a status thing BUT you couldn't??

your post as is, is a bit contradictory.

Edit

FOR the record, for me IT isn't just a status thing as i run my business out of my home and i frequently need to log in from client locations.
 
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MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
0
76
It's nice with that many PC's online. My parents have 6 online at their house (plus a tivo), granted not all of them are online at once, but even with 2-3 people surfing at once, it's really slow. Forget about gaming, its not even an option there.

I love broadband personally. Even with three pcs at my apartment, it's never slow. Well worth the $60/mo (internet + tv)
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,020
435
136
Zedtom,

At least see what is available in your area in terms of providers, speed and cost.

The perfect place to start is here.
Just click the yellow Check Availability NOW! link
Enter in your phone and physical address info then click Check Availability

Please let us know what providers, speed and cost it shows.
 
thebestMAX

thebestMAX

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2000
7,511
136
106
Gots to have it!

For me, I actually lowered my expenses by going with Adelphia Cable and one of its packages.

Was paying:

56k ISP: 12.95
Dish HBO 15.00
Second Phone line: 21.00
----------
48.95

Package with Broad Band, HBO, extra channels and no need for ISP or second phone line: 48.23
Not much savings in cash but gave me BB. I also have a router with WiFi so could have 5 computers going at one time, impossible with dial up. I even win some games now!

Adelphia isnt the best but my only choice and it is improving.
 
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Zedtom

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
2,146
0
0
LeeTJ, if your business depends upon a broadband connection, that is fine with me. I just think that there are a lot of people here that base their self esteem on outranking others with what they have or don't have.

*RossMAN- I checked the providers in my area:

Comcast $42.95 with cable service. $52.00 without cable service

DirecWav $52.95 satellite
 
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