sentech usb modem or pcmia?

[keribbit5]

i have a laptop, but i don't really see myself going great distances with it. is it recommended to get one type of modem over the other or is there really no difference?

R2600 is quite a bit to plonk down for a modem, so i want to make a careful choice.

thanks

 

[Luke7777]

Think the usb modem has been "judged" the better option. More flexible if you get the optional ethernet cable, add a router to the equation, and your home network is off to a decent start. Plus, you can hook the usb modem on to any pc/laptop, not so with the pcmia option. If you insist on spending money on Sentech, rather go the usb option

 

[keribbit5]

ha, "insist on spending money on sentech". what do you mean by this?

i basically want to use the internet for talking on skype and some browsing, downloading the odd song. there doesn't seem to be a cheaper option than the R199 monthly. do you know of a better option?

thanks for your help!!

 

[Luke7777]

ha, "insist on spending money on sentech". what do you mean by this?

Meaning "Is Sentech the only option available to you?"

i basically want to use the internet for talking on skype and some browsing, downloading the odd song. there doesn't seem to be a cheaper option than the R199 monthly. do you know of a better option?thanks for your help!!

Well, add the R2600 for the (proprietary) modem and you've spend R5000 in a year. 192ADSL might be cheaper for your indicated usage, and more versatile. Yip, Sentech does have portability, but only just. Depends on your answer to the first point I guess.

 

[qdada]

...
i basically want to use the internet for talking on skype and ...

I have had less than a pleasant experience using sentech for talking on skype and googletalk. It may be the way I have configured my home LAN so be warned and if you can find someone to come and test it with the applications u want to use before signing up.

 

[keribbit5]

hmmm, I haven't heard of 192 ADSL. i gave up on the idea of adsl because it seems so much more expensive with the installed phoneline and telkom. please correct me if i'm wrong.

sentech's flexi 200 seems the cheapest monthly option besides the modem. and that modem would be a one time cost. sentech does offer a 7day trial period, correct? just want to make sure i'm not signing away my life or anything like that.

i've been using skype with a dialup on my side and broadband on the receiving end. got decent results with that. the sound sometimes gets tinny and there is a delay of a few seconds occasionally, but R10 per hour beats the R1.20 per min for international calls.

thanks!

 

[Luke7777]

Telkom options This you'll compare with the once-off Sentech modem cost
ISP costs Make your pick from anything R200 or less.

Re dialup and skype...latency on dialup is low, hence the decent results. Do the trail thing, 'cause service quality with Sentech is often user specific

 

[telkomsuig]

with all the double billing etc telom does on your first bill.... it can easily push you over a thousand bucks.... if you are light user sentech should be ok.. and the regime is throwing money at them soon so their network should improve...