Anyone tried MSN-RadioShack's satelite internet access?

[Mark@TheZone]

They just started selling it. I think its $70/month for 400k 2-way access. Has anyone tried it? Reliable? Does it have fast newsgroup access for my warez groups?

[darrelld]

They make you buy a new radio shack compaq to get it.
Apparently compaq is the only one to have that "special configuration" needed for satellite or DSL on MSN.

[thekingofpain]

Oh come now darrel, no they dont...RS will sell Gilat/Starband systems (looking at the widest distribution possible, by chance?) to anyone as soon as they get there ***** together...no computer purchase neccessary...

[This message has been edited by thekingofpain (edited 11-20-2000).]

[darrelld]

The MSN/Radio shack deal Forces you into a new computer, if you don't believe me go to Radio Shack and tell them you want the service.
Marks post was specific to MSN

[This message has been edited by darrelld (edited 11-20-2000).]

[darrelld]

Here it is http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2652004,00.html

[thekingofpain]

Voogru has a Starband system (available from RadioShack, not sure where he got it tho)I doubt he purchased a NEW Compaq to attain the service, maybe he will chime in here and tell how to avoid that...if not he posted earlier welcoming all Q's plus great pics of the dish...

[Rat]

If one of the requirements of getting that service is buying a Compaq, I say it's not worth it. It's just another attempt in monopolizing the market. I say we spread the word and ban RS and Compaq for getting in bed with MS like this. Who's with me??? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Rat...

[jacobnero8196]

I went to Radio Shack a week ago and they said that you have to buy a $1200 computer with it in order for it to work from them. They send the Compaq computer to Starband and they install, test, config and send it back to radio shack and then someone from radioshack comes and installs it at your house.


But if you go to a echostar dealer you can buy the dish only version with the NIC but it still requires professional installion and your computer must up to the lastest standards.

There is also another satellite service coming out but it is a 2 megabit download service which uses the phone line for uploading. Considering the cost and technology it might make more sense.

Figure $40 a month for satellite and $30 a month for a phone line pretty much comes out to the $70 for this type of service accept that you get much faster downloads.

[axedawg]

If you guys can wait another month or two, DirectPC will be offering the same two-way satellite service as Dish. Last i heard it would be around $39.95 a month. Also there is no catch like buying a new computer. Should be simple installation. Hook up the dish on your roof, plug in a USB modem, connect the dish to the special modem, and bam you are screaming along at 400k.

My wife works in the industry, so I get tons of inside info.

Better yet, got to www.direcpc.com, (http://www.direcpc.com,) call the number and talk to the salesman. He will tell you the same thing I just iterated.

AxeDawg