Anyone got Direct PC?

[Donuts]

Hi out there. I live in the county where modem and something like Direct PC are my only options. I know that right now they only work on the download side but soon will have both way transmission. I like to play games like Delta Force and Half Life. Will Direct PC help my gaming and what are the problems with this system. By the way I connect right now at 28800. So I'm almost willing to try anthing. Thanks!

 

[Stark]

No it will not help your gaming. The modem upload part kills it.

I tried one for a week and returned it. If you don't mind waiting 10 seconds for a page to load "quickly," then it's for you. Download speeds weren't all that impressive either.

The two way is supposed to be good, but chances are the current hardware available won't work with it. I'd wait.

 

[Byrd2a]

Last month I was all set to buy DirecPC but decided to wait for StarBand. Starband is real two-way satelite internet. There web site is at www.starband.com I have spoke to several people who were field testers for the systems, and although they could not reveal details due to a Non-Disclosure agreement, they all said don't buy DirecPc and wait for Starband. It is becoming available now. I'll be getting mine next week.

 

[teknoid]

I'm one of those "field testers" that Byrd2a spoke of. He's right about us being under a NDA but I can say... Wait a while. Although, if it's gaming performance that you're after neither DirecPC or Starband are a good answer for you. The latency is just too high for gaming. Considering how far everything has to travel (44600 miles round trip TWICE) it's a technological mircle that it works as well as it does.

 

[Donuts]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess I'll just have to suffer. Starband looks way to expensive for me and gaming is really my biggest concern. It doesn't bother me to wait a second or two for a web page. I knew this was the right place to get great info. Thanks again!

 

[usual_suspect]

I just called Radio Shack. Starbrand forces you to buy their computer to get the service. Final start up cost is about $1300. Monthly charge is $60.

ah, no thanks.

 

[BenSkywalker]

usual_suspect-

Don't call RS, of course they will lie to you

"Do I have to purchase a new PC in order to get the StarBand service?
That depends. If you purchase MSN® Internet service powered by StarBand through RadioShack stores, the PC is an integral part of the StarBand package. The StarBand Internet service in this package operates through two PCI cards - a transmit card and a receive card - that come installed in the PC that is pre-configured for the StarBand-delivered service.

If you purchase StarBand Internet service through a DISH Network® retailer, the service comes with an external "satellite modem" that plugs into a USB port. With this option, you do not need to purchase a specially configured PC, but you will need to have a PC with a USB port available."

Linkage

 

[usual_suspect]

Thanks for clearing that up Ben. That sounds a bit more reasonable.

 

[Viper GTS]

But a USB modem? Yuck... I'd MUCH prefer an external router with a crossover to my NIC.

But if it's my only broadband option, I'll do it. I too live in the country. Check out the view from my driveway.

Viper GTS

 

[urbantechie]

Nice view Viper. If this was in California, you could sell that for alot of money!

 

[Viper GTS]

It's only worth $350,000 or so here in Oregon. I'm hoping to buy it when my siblings & I inherit it.

Viper GTS

 

[Ausm]

I live in the Country too.. I checked out the Dish network solution and it is by no means cheap either. It cost 99 bucks a month which includes the top 150/Internet. This does not include buying a whole new Dish/receiver/USB Device which will not be cheap at all to replace my existing dish.

Mind you that is a promotional price and could raise drastically after your contract is up.

The next hurdle is convincing the wife I would need it ...hmm lets see I can Nix my ISP and one phone line saving me 40/month looks good so far..read on.

But the cost of the equipment and the uncertainty of the pricing ...I do believe the wifey will not go for it


When the hell are people who live in the country going to stop taking the Internt Super Highway right up the tail pipe???!!!


Ausm

 

[Donuts]

After Al Gore is pres. and he invents the new county super highway.....

 

[Madcowz]

Well after-all we have good ol AL to thank for Anandtech right? Anyways, getting back to Satellite internet access, I just would like to reiterate that it is totally unsuitable for gaming. Although your d/l speeds will increase a fair amount over analog modems, your pings will simply be disgusting. Can you say LAG? Everyone repeat after me... L-A-G