(no subject)

[rumtastique]

So folks, I need advice on two things.

1) I need a monitor. it doesn't even have to be a great monitor, or all that large, it just needs to function. cheaper is better. Any recommendations?

2) I also need to get internet service at home. what service do y'all have, and do you like it? any dis-recommendations?

thanks for your help...

Comments

[heike.livejournal.com]

We may still have a 17" monitor lying around. If we do, you can have it (it works fine, we just have bigger ones).

We have Comcast. I've had no problems with it.

[cayeux.livejournal.com]

we have verizon DSL. I get about 3Mbps on it, which is less than cable modem (though perfectly adequate), but since we don't have cable TV, a cable modem is stupidly expensive.

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

stupid verizon dsl claims they can't give me that service here. the only service verizon will do here is FiOS, for like twice the money.

ARGH!

[bhudson.livejournal.com]

I have a vintage 1995 Sony Trinitron; yours free if you want it (otherwise I'd have to find a recycler).

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

does it work? and did you already find a home for it?

[bhudson.livejournal.com]

It is homeless. I haven't powered it on in ages.

[firynze.livejournal.com]

I've got Verizon's lowest-tier DSL and it's pretty good. I randomly have to power-cycle the router sometimes, but that's a minor annoyance.

The major annoyance is that I have to pay $20/mo for a phone line I don't use in addition to the $17.99/mo for the internet package. THAT makes me cranky.

[devreux.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that you got suckered into setting up a functional phone line with your DSL. Because you don't actually need one. Really!

We have Verizon DSL and no land line.

There is a sort of 'dummy phone number' that has to get assigned to the phone line, but it's not functional. We can't plug a phone into the wall and get a dial tone. And if you try to call our dummy number it'll tell you the number is out of service.

This dummy number is called a 'dry loop.' It costs us about $4/month on top of our $32/month for the higher-tier DSL.

I'm sure it's theoretically possible to get your land line converted into a dry loop, if you could ever actually get Verizon to cancel anything. Money-sucking bastards.

[firynze.livejournal.com]

Really? When I signed up, I was told that residential phone service was required in order to get DSL.

Dude. If I can get that with the $17.99 package, I will be one happy camper. I've been pissed off that I have to get things I don't need at the new place, and I'm about *this* close to sucking it up and spending the long buck on a Comcast cable/internet/phone package there.

Man, I'll pay a $4 fee to not have to pay $20 for phone service on top of my cell. Thank you!

[bhudson.livejournal.com]

Really? When I signed up, I was told that residential phone service was required in order to get DSL.

They're well known to lie about this issue. And you can imagine why: they're charging you big bucks, and the worst that could happen to them is they'll get hit by a class action at some point and then will settle for a $15 coupon for us to buy Verizon stuff with.

[firynze.livejournal.com]

Doesn't surprise me in the least.

While it'd be nice to only be paying $25/mo or so for my internet connection, total, the whole thing really kinda makes me want to switch to Comcast...

[devreux.livejournal.com]

I responded in some detail (http://derrangedferret.livejournal.com/95089.html) when derrangedferret asked this last month.

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

CMU's helpdesks might could lend you one. The one at my office I borrowed from the SCS Helpdesk.

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

i am not cmu affiliated, so I doubt that'd help much. :(

internet service

[varakesh516.livejournal.com]

i have comcast that includes cable internet (and can be wireless), base line cable and all long distance phone coverage 24/7 for $75 a month. It was wonderful telling verizon to shove it, and get all three for so little. I was paying ~$60 for internet alone. Just a thought.

btw...you can still go to the cmu computer store (or pitt now) and get inexpensive monitors. educational discounts and all...

Re: internet service

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

well, we don't need cable or phone, so it seems silly to pay for them.

Re: internet service

[firynze.livejournal.com]

Criminy, how did you get that?! The cheapest I can get a Comcast package around here is $99/mo.

[mario05.livejournal.com]

Wow, I feel like I'm late to the party here with extra computer parts laying around... I know, it's shocking to hear that I've got extra parts.