SBC DSL or Comcast Cable? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ironchefkorea · 01-19-2004, 09:30 PM

Alright. I recently moved into a new house and we have yet to choose our broadband service. The development our house is in uses SBC for phones and Comcast for cable. Now it's up to me as the main internet user to choose either DSL or Cable. I realize that DSL can be a bit more stable, while Cable is very slightly faster. So what should I decide? Logistically, which would be easier to to pay for?

We're most likely going to have 2 computers on their own IPs, and possibly a 3rd (or maybe I'll just swap) IP for my PS2. On a side note, I have a hub already, but I'm thinking about doing the wireless thing. Can I get a wireless networking solution that is just the receiver and transmitter that plug into the hub?

Thanks in advance to any that can help.

nanofever · 01-19-2004, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ironchefkorea
Alright. I recently moved into a new house and we have yet to choose our broadband service. The development our house is in uses SBC for phones and Comcast for cable. Now it's up to me as the main internet user to choose either DSL or Cable. I realize that DSL can be a bit more stable, while Cable is very slightly faster. So what should I decide? Logistically, which would be easier to to pay for?

We're most likely going to have 2 computers on their own IPs, and possibly a 3rd (or maybe I'll just swap) IP for my PS2. On a side note, I have a hub already, but I'm thinking about doing the wireless thing. Can I get a wireless networking solution that is just the receiver and transmitter that plug into the hub?

Thanks in advance to any that can help.

Totally, competely, utterly depends on your location/city.

I'm going to suggest dslreports.com on this one.

rubicon · 01-19-2004, 10:02 PM

I think the choice between cable and DSL is based on who will give you a better deal since the cable company will tend to charge you less if you get cable TV service as well. Not sure about SBC.

If someone in you neighborhood says that one of the other really suck then I think you have your answer.

As for the wireless access point, simply plug into your hub. Keep in mind the nuances to using a wireless access point and router compared with plain access point, especially if you're already using a router for DSL/cable.

tritium · 01-19-2004, 10:09 PM

I like the always online of the cable modem. I also like not having an almost imperceptable whine on my phoneline from the DSL modem.

I can hear it and it sucks. Some folks can't hear it and think I'm nuts. I'm convinced that DSL is the devil.

Vales419 · 01-23-2004, 04:48 PM

I have Time Warner Cable and I believe its the way to go. But it also depends on the area/location where you are at. Also the cost if that is an issue.

V.

Derwood · 01-24-2004, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tritium
I like the always online of the cable modem. I also like not having an almost imperceptable whine on my phoneline from the DSL modem.

I can hear it and it sucks. Some folks can't hear it and think I'm nuts. I'm convinced that DSL is the devil.

SBC DSL is online 24 hours a day, and they provide you with filters for your phone jacks that remove the whining sound.

I used to have Comcast, now have the DSL, and the biggest differences I've found are:

- SBC DSL blocks you from any newsgroups that have binary data. This means you can't download photos, mp3's, video files, etc. without using some sort of router to circumnavigate the SBC filters (I haven't bothered).

- SBC DSL puts way more software on your computer, which means more programs running in the background and slower overall computer performance. I have a Pentium 3, 1GHz processor with 512 MB Ram and when I restart my machine, I have only 50% resources available without any windows open. Open Mozilla, Outlook Express and AOL IM and the machine starts groaning.

Silverbrain · 01-24-2004, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Derwood
- SBC DSL puts way more software on your computer, which means more programs running in the background and slower overall computer performance. I have a Pentium 3, 1GHz processor with 512 MB Ram and when I restart my machine, I have only 50% resources available without any windows open. Open Mozilla, Outlook Express and AOL IM and the machine starts groaning.

I install DSL for my customers when they request it, and I never have to install that crap SBC provides you...WinXP has built in PPPoE capabilities and Win98 has a 3rd party that allows you to create a dialup connection that will work over DSL. IM me if you need more info.

As far as cable vs DSL...Cable in my neck o the woods is 40 bucks and gives about a 2.9MB/s down 256up. SBC DSL is 26.99 a month, 1.3MB/s down, 144up. Either is easily routable, and always on. I personally like the extra speed cable offers and as such would pay the extra to get it.

sailor · 01-24-2004, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Derwood
SBC DSL is online 24 hours a day, and they provide you with filters for your phone jacks that remove the whining sound.

I used to have Comcast, now have the DSL, and the biggest differences I've found are:

- SBC DSL blocks you from any newsgroups that have binary data. This means you can't download photos, mp3's, video files, etc. without using some sort of router to circumnavigate the SBC filters (I haven't bothered).

- SBC DSL puts way more software on your computer, which means more programs running in the background and slower overall computer performance. I have a Pentium 3, 1GHz processor with 512 MB Ram and when I restart my machine, I have only 50% resources available without any windows open. Open Mozilla, Outlook Express and AOL IM and the machine starts groaning.

Dont let them touch your machine when they come in. Get the config stuff you need from them, but dont let them install shit.

Me, I would boot into my Linux partition and have a good laugh as he tried to install all that crap on it

nanofever · 01-24-2004, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sailor420
Dont let them touch your machine when they come in. Get the config stuff you need from them, but dont let them install shit.

Me, I would boot into my Linux partition and have a good laugh as he tried to install all that crap on it

Thats pretty funny, unless you are running Lindows...

Wyodiver33 · 01-24-2004, 09:56 AM

I have Bellsouth DSL right now and it's been great for two years. But due to price and speed, I'm switching to Comcast cable this coming tuesday. going from 1.2Mbps/$50 to 3.0Mbps/$45.

blockmaan2000 · 01-24-2004, 09:21 PM

Cable is better in my area (VA). DSL is usually more expensive and not really worth it in terms of bandwidth.

shakran · 01-24-2004, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tritium
I like the always online of the cable modem. I also like not having an almost imperceptable whine on my phoneline from the DSL modem.

I can hear it and it sucks. Some folks can't hear it and think I'm nuts. I'm convinced that DSL is the devil.

You're not nuts. I've heard it, but not on my DSL. I've concluded that there are probably quality differences in the filters. Your filters are letting that through, while mine does not. It may be that I have a whole-house filter on the outside phone box rather than the little ones that you plug in all over the house - - -that could be the difference right there.

I'd go with comcast. Most of their coverage area is at 3 mbit right now as opposed to DSL farting around 512 or so kbit. The speed difference is phenomenal. Comcast personnel are REALLY stupid though, so you have to keep tabs on them when they're screwing with your account.

mbchills · 01-24-2004, 09:52 PM

go to dslreports.com and check out reviews and all that

cheerios · 01-24-2004, 10:13 PM

not a happy SBC customer here... tech support is awful. (not that any support is good) but they've dicked me around a lot and i've had a lot of problems over my 2 yr tenure as their customer. i doubt I'm going back for a 3rd.

Enka · 01-24-2004, 10:23 PM

Ive had both services, and I've had a better experience with SBC. Biggest difference for you would be how close you are to your central office. I'm maybe 1/2-1 mile away from mine and my DSL is BLAZING FAST compared to comcast that I had at my parents house. The one thing I dont like about SBC is that randomly I wont be able to send email unless I use SBC's SMTP server, and sometimes even in that case I cant send mail.

01-19-2004, 09:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
ironchefkorea Insane	SBC DSL or Comcast Cable? Alright. I recently moved into a new house and we have yet to choose our broadband service. The development our house is in uses SBC for phones and Comcast for cable. Now it's up to me as the main internet user to choose either DSL or Cable. I realize that DSL can be a bit more stable, while Cable is very slightly faster. So what should I decide? Logistically, which would be easier to to pay for? We're most likely going to have 2 computers on their own IPs, and possibly a 3rd (or maybe I'll just swap) IP for my PS2. On a side note, I have a hub already, but I'm thinking about doing the wireless thing. Can I get a wireless networking solution that is just the receiver and transmitter that plug into the hub? Thanks in advance to any that can help. __________________ If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

01-19-2004, 10:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
rubicon Stop. Think. Question. Location: Redondo Beach, CA	I think the choice between cable and DSL is based on who will give you a better deal since the cable company will tend to charge you less if you get cable TV service as well. Not sure about SBC. If someone in you neighborhood says that one of the other really suck then I think you have your answer. As for the wireless access point, simply plug into your hub. Keep in mind the nuances to using a wireless access point and router compared with plain access point, especially if you're already using a router for DSL/cable. __________________ How you do anything is how you do everything.

01-19-2004, 10:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
tritium Professor of Drinkology	I like the always online of the cable modem. I also like not having an almost imperceptable whine on my phoneline from the DSL modem. I can hear it and it sucks. Some folks can't hear it and think I'm nuts. I'm convinced that DSL is the devil. __________________ Blah.

01-23-2004, 04:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Vales419 Crazy Location: Purgatory	I have Time Warner Cable and I believe its the way to go. But it also depends on the area/location where you are at. Also the cost if that is an issue. V. __________________ "Here's ten bucks, bring me the head of Barry Manilow" --Dr. Denis Leary

01-24-2004, 09:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
Wyodiver33 Just here for the beer. Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Floriduh	I have Bellsouth DSL right now and it's been great for two years. But due to price and speed, I'm switching to Comcast cable this coming tuesday. going from 1.2Mbps/$50 to 3.0Mbps/$45. __________________ I like stuff.

01-24-2004, 09:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
blockmaan2000 Crazy	Cable is better in my area (VA). DSL is usually more expensive and not really worth it in terms of bandwidth.

01-24-2004, 09:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
mbchills Insane Location: NJ	go to dslreports.com and check out reviews and all that __________________ rawr.

01-24-2004, 10:13 PM	#14 (permalink)
cheerios Banned Location: 'bout 2 feet from my iMac	not a happy SBC customer here... tech support is awful. (not that any support is good) but they've dicked me around a lot and i've had a lot of problems over my 2 yr tenure as their customer. i doubt I'm going back for a 3rd.

01-24-2004, 10:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
Enka Tilted	Ive had both services, and I've had a better experience with SBC. Biggest difference for you would be how close you are to your central office. I'm maybe 1/2-1 mile away from mine and my DSL is BLAZING FAST compared to comcast that I had at my parents house. The one thing I dont like about SBC is that randomly I wont be able to send email unless I use SBC's SMTP server, and sometimes even in that case I cant send mail.