I might be getting ADSL, BUT.....

[Cobraboy]

I need to get my dad convinced. I think my mum is hooked onto it, but my dad wants a reason that'll have benefits. He told me if all Im gonna use it for is gaming, then hes not interested (Not that Im gonna game heavily with it). So I need an reason or benefit that would hook into into getting it.
I have no other ideas that might work, maybe you fullas would??

The line I want to get is called 'Jetstream'. Run by Telecom NZ. Its the only broadband (if thats the right term) internet avaliable in my area.
I've been reading about it and it has a Lower Probable Limit of 2mbps, and a Higher PL of 4mbps (but the isp's can get up to 8). What I want to know is, is that MB, Megabytes, or Megabits???

Thanx.

 

[Tom M]

It's in Megabits, not Megabytes. There really isn't any reason not to get Broadband anymore. To pay for a 56k is insane, because you spend money on a limited access (too slow for most of the internet anymore) and you also have to pay for the phone call to wherever your ISP dials into. DSL, ADSL, and cable are "always on" systems where you only pay for whatever the service is, and no hidden extras.
with DSL and ADSL, higher bandwidths like 4 and 8 mbps are usually really expensive. Weigh in all those factors when making a decision.
And as for gaming... it will be better with more bandwidth, but it's not going to alter your life in any way. It will probably just lead to needing a bigger HD or a CD burner.

 

[Cobraboy]

So what kind of download speeds will I expect with a 2mbps line. Not 2 Megabytes per second right??

 

[GilesGuthrie]

No. With a 2Mb line, you'll get approximately 150-250KB per second. It hugely depends upon the speed at the upstream (i.e. server) end of the download. You're most likely to hit the limit of your connection when you have several downloads running simultaneously.

Tom M is right, in that ADSL is a fixed-price deal, there are no variable charges, plus you can be on-line and on the phone at the same time. More importantly, your internet connection is just ALWAYS THERE. So your virus scanner can update itself in the background, your mail client can check for new mail every 5 mins, and when someone sends you a URL to check out, you can just do it, without having to make a value judgement as to whether it's going to be worth cranking up the old dialup.

I've said it before, and I'll no doubt say it again, broadband rocks.

 

[Cobraboy]

:thumbsup: Thanks!! My mum rang up TelecomNZ this afternoon to find out some prices and told me she'll talk it over with dad, but knowing my mum she'll forget, shes filrting with Al Tzheimer.....

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Originally posted by Cobraboy
:thumbsup: Thanks!! My mum rang up TelecomNZ this afternoon to find out some prices and told me she'll talk it over with dad, but knowing my mum she'll forget, shes filrting with Al Tzheimer.....

Ouch!!

 

[Cobraboy]

Well, We went out and bought our modem this morning and we will be connected by Wednesday the 11th. I'm so exicted!!!!

 

[Shannon]

Congrats.