Yo! Taxi! (Updated)
Written: Jun 24 '00 (Updated Jul 08 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well, it's free, right? Good connection.
Cons: Registration is rough.
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| rytersblok's Full Review: NetTaxi (by Spinway) |
http://www.Epinions.com, and step on it!
NetTaxi is a free ISP/web portal that is powered by Spinway, the same people that brought us Bluelight. My initial experience with them was not very good (skip this if you want, but it might help your decision):
------------<Clip HERE for old review>------------
Well, so far they have not answered my hail.
I went to the site and filled out the sign-up form. They send a confirmation Email with an access code. They won't let you download the software until you have the code. I've been checking my email for two days now and have still not received it, even though I clicked on the re-send access code button a few times.
They do have a tech support number, but it is not a toll-free number. What makes them think that I am willing to pay long-distance tolls when I don't even want to pay for my internet access?
Listen, guys, I called for a NetTaxi 48 hours ago and it still isn't here! What's up with that? (Okay, so it might be my Yahoo mail account, but I doubt it.)
If I ever get to try the service out, I will expand my review, but for now it is a definitive thumbs down.
---------------<end of old review>---------------
Well, I finally got through the sign-up. It took an extra email and another couple of days, but I finally made it through the registration process. This is a long, complicated mess involving setting up your own free web space (25 mb), answering a rather long marketing survey where I was asked for my address and phone number a second time, plus two more confirmation codes. I've heard of fighting for a taxi, but this was ridiculous!
Connectivity
Of the six numbers initially provided for my local area codes, only one worked. This was updated after my first login, and still only 25% are not disconnected or otherwise broken. On that one original number, however, I get a good (44 kbps+) connection most of the time. I do not get dumped offline like I have with many other services. This had a big impact on my rating.
Customer Service
I emailed them from an alternate address about my sign-up problems and got a reply within 72 hours. They had an easy fix for the problem. Could be more prompt, but useful nonetheless.
The Free ISP "Bugs"
The banner bar for NetTaxi is pretty standard, with an unimpressive set of features. On the plus side, there is no "health meter" requiring you to click an ad like many of the 1st Up services (Alta Vista, MyPoints, etc.) or Netzero. Also, you are required to watch a 30-second multi-media ad while logging on. It stopped playing after I had watched it five times, and has not shown another commercial since. This may be a once-a month thing, or I might not ever have to deal with this "feature" again. I'm just glad I don't have to watch it now, because it seemed to interfere with my connection.
The Bottom Line
Although we got off to a shaky start, NetTaxi has been hauling my cyber-carcass around rather well.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rytersblok
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Member: Anthony
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 5 members
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