Finally Here!!
Written: Dec 11 '00
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Pros: Fast, cheap, very reliable so far.
Cons: Service agreement changes, only available in a few areas
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| BeachShopper's Full Review: Winfire FreeDSL |
Ok,
So it's not actually free. They changed their name to reflect this, I think. They're now officially Winfire.
Anyway, my external USB modem finally has arrived! Only took about 10 months.
Last February 2000, the "Power" and "Premium" plans included a free modem, (actually just the free use of the modem if you carefully read the service agreement). If you sign up today you are expected to pay $100, under the "Power" plan! Only the "Premium" plan retains the free use of a modem.
The setup was amazingly simple. They provide you with a setup/drivers CD, you need your Windows installation CD. They mention that the latest version of the Winfire toolbar is included on the setup CD. It is not. So I would recommend downloading the toolbar at their website first. Just plug in the modem, install the provided filters on as many as five of your household phones, follow the on-screen prompts, and presto...Broadband DSL!
Compared to a 56K modem, this thing simply ROCKS! I have the "Power" service plan, it cost less than AOL and Earthlink dialup service, but is supposed to connect up to 384 Kbps. By using some downloaded freeware, and also statistical features at http://www.metv.com, I have only been able to connect at up to 280 Kbps. Much better than my 56K modem, but still not as cool as full 1.5Mbps. They offer some wacky Broadband on Demand service where you can immediately purchase a faster connection when you "need" it. I suppose I would "need" a faster connection if I want to watch a live streaming internet broadcast of the next U2 or Rolling Stones concert.
For $19.95 a month 280 Kbps is nice.
So far havn't had any problems. Which is more than I can say for my neighbor who has DSL through Covad. A technician actually went to his house last May to set up his account 60 days after he first called and signed up. After three tech visits, and problems with his ISP and telephone company, he was finally in business in mid-July. He has the full blown 1.5 Mbps hookup. But for what he pays, it better be full blown, (something like $60 per month).
I called tech support, and was number five in the que. I waited about five minutes. I was looking for a recommended software firewall to use with the service. The technical support guy was very helpful. He mentioned some commercial and freeware programs, and how to get them to work with the Winfire toolbar. I was REALLY surprised that the guy was so willing to help, and he actually knew what to do!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 19.95
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Epinions.com ID:
BeachShopper
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Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 2 members
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