Tag Archives: internet

Vonage’s unlimited calls to the Philippines… finally!

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Vonage has recently added an unlimited plan that allows you to call the Philippines. I have been waiting for this for so many years. We had a Vonage account a few years ago and was paying $24/month. We sent the device to the Philippines so that we can call them locally. The problem is it was expensive and we were only able to call one place. We have family all over.

To lower the cost we tried using Skype. We bought a phone that can be plugged into the network and use a Skype account. This was a cheaper way of communicating. It’s only $8 every 3 months.

Since our cell phone provider right now is T-Mobile, we also have their “at home” service. It’s a router that allows you to plug in a phone. It’s similar to Vonage. This one cost around $15/month after taxes and is at another family’s house.

Even though Skype and T-Mobile’s at home solution is cheaper than Vonage, you would still need internet access for each location. Internet speeds in Philippines aren’t as great over here, plus they do have occasional black outs. The communication is only available where the device is.

This is why I’m so excited about Vonage’s new unlimited plan. For about $75/month after taxes, I’m able to call anyone in Philippines. Sounds expensive? I don’t think so. If you are using phone cards at $5 and it gives you an average of 30 minutes of talk to a mobile number, the monthly cost of the Vonage plan is equal to about 15 phone cards a month. Now let’s assume you get 30 minutes for each phone card… keep in mind that this would be a perfect connection. Remember, if the call is incomplete or you hang up and redial, they will rape you. Plus, you will have to call again once the card runs out of credits; such an inconvenience. Another advantage with the Vonage plan is it will allow you to call anyone in the US (not really an advantage if your cell phone can already do it) and Canada.

We’ve been using it for a day now and so far it’s been good. The quality is as good as our internet connection and our family’s land line/mobile connection in Philippines. There is no contract and the equipment is free. I suggest trying it out for a month. All you got to lose is $75 which I’m sure you are already spending calling the Philippines. If you are interested, please let me know by emailing me at abbyandwin06@gmail.com .

For more information about this plan, check out Vonage’s website http://www.vonage.com/lp/US/philippines/.

My new Linksys E2000 Router

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I was using an Apple Extreme Base Station for a few years now. It’s the model right before they added the gigabit ethernet support but it does have wireless N. There were several things I hated about this router. The one thing I just can’t stand is it has to reboot every time you make any changes. I’ve owned other routers from Linksys, Netgear, and Belkin prior to this router and they never rebooted nor took a long time to apply changes. I use Mac address filtering so whenever a new device is introduced to the network, I have to make this change. In order to do so, anyone who is connected will be disconnected because it has to reboot.

After doing some research I found the Linksys E2000. It does everything I need it to do. Comparing it to my old Apple router, it has more ethernet ports (4) and supports gigabit speed. It’s fast when you make changes and the Cisco Connect software is compatible with OS X. Another great feature is it has a guest mode where it has a separate connection for guest devices. Guest devices can access the internet but will not have access to your LAN. Great feature, but for now I have it disabled. I still have to check how far that signal reaches. I don’t want anyone camped outside leeching off my internet.

The installation is simple. Only problem I had was with the software trying to connect to the router after I had changed the default settings. Turns out the version of the software was old. Linksys has a support chat system and they were able to direct me to the latest version of the software. After I installed the newer version, I was up and running.

I picked up a factory refurbished version. I figured it’s half the cost and should work as well as a new one. There are certain brands I don’t concern about quality even though it is refurbished, and Linksys is one of them. I’ve always had great experiences with their products. It’s a big savings compared to the $180 I originally paid for the Apple router (never again). A brand new E2000 will run $80 and up.

The only thing I lose from the Apple router is the USB port. Actually I won’t miss it at all. I hardly used it. What you can do with it is attached a USB printer to share or a hard drive. I have 2 wireless printers on the network and a Terrastation NAS box… problem solved!

So far it has been doing its job. The signal seems a bit stronger too and does not interfere with other wireless devices. Here are some pics.

ExpressCard Adapter for MBP 13″

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One of my few gripes about my new Macbook Pro 13″ is no ExpressCard slot. Coming from the first gen MBP 15″, I used it for my Verizon V740 internet card. Well I found the solution. Apiotek made a USB to ExpressCard adapter – UB-EC01. I bought mine from Macsales.com. It took only 2 days to arrive.

I had to reinstall the Verizon software before it recognized it and worked. Because it plugs in the a USB port, I lose one port and the device sticks out. I don’t mind much since I use a bluetooth mouse and I got my portable internet device working again. Verizon wanted me to sign a brand new 2 year contract if I wanted to get a new device that plugs in to the USB – hell no! Here are some pics I took.

Trying DSL from AT&T again

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With Aedyn coming soon, I wanted to find ways to reduce monthly expenses – just in case. I currently have cable internet with Road Runner. I’m usally downloading at 5,500kbps with an upload speed of around 400kbps. Not bad but it’s about $46 per month. I saw AT&T DSL and now they don’t have a contract, free wireless router/modem (after rebate), and $100 rebate for switching from cable.

I’ve tried them in the past but could never get the same great service as when they were Pacific Bell. So for about $15 less a month, I’m supposed to be getting up to 3,000kbps download and 512kbps upload – I wish. Below is what I used to get and what I get now.

Verizon V740

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I was using my Blackberry Pearl tethered to the laptop before and it uses EDGE to get internet access while away from home or work. It was horrible at best. I was lucky to get over 70kbps. On average I would get 48kbps. So I started to look for an alternative. I checked out AT&T since they started to use 3G. According to one of the sales associate, T-Mobile no longer rents towers from AT&T. Instead they sold all their old towers to them. Not sure how much truth is in that, but thought it was interesting. Basically, T-Mobile bought old technology from AT&T. Again, this is from an AT&T sales associate. There is no confirmation whether it is true or false or he’s just trying to get my business.

Then I went to Verizon and checked out what they have. To my surprise, they have a deal where all of their broadband access cards are free with a 2 year contract. I’m hesitant on getting the whole 2 year contract thing but I went with it anyway since in California you get a 30 day trial whereas 14 days elsewhere. I picked up the Verizon V740. So far it has been great. Areas where it is predominantly Verizon coverage, I’m getting over 900kbps down and 300kbps up. Otherwise I’m getting an average of 200kbps down and 100kbps up. Browsing is a lot better either way compared to what I had with T-Mobile. Playing World of Warcraft in areas where I get slower connection isn’t that great but tolerable.

The $60 monthly is a bit high but it may be worth it in the long run. Also, the V740 can only be used with the new Express slot.

Looking at the picture above, I’m beginning to miss my Nokia N80IE and it’s 3MP camera :(