So I wanted to update my blog with something. I was going to do this long ass tutorial on how to remove most types of virus infections but I tend to struggle with longer articles like that. For some reason when I blog I want instant gratification and trying to get complicated with my posts usually results in me scrapping the post all together to end up going another month with nothing. So I’ve decided that I’m going to try yet another direction with my blog. I’m going to make it more about me and my interactions with technology and life rather than the sort of do it yourself type articles I’ve been trying to come up with. Lets face it, I’m a decent computer technician, but I seem to be a lousy teacher. Moving on.
So the last post to actually make the cut (questionably) was my article on how I managed to trim my monthly bills way back and utilize alternative services. I thought it would be a fair idea to post an update to say how that has been going. I’ll try to keep this brief in the interest of not losing interest myself and not scrapping this post all together.
So recently I did manage to upgrade my internet service from 18mbps down and 1.5 mbps up to 24mbps down and 3mbps up. This upgrade ended up costing me an extra $10 a month making my internet bill $65 a month instead of the before mentioned $55 a month. I gotta say this new service just flies. Not that 18mbps wasn’t stellar service, but now I truly am top tier.
Why is this change so important to me? I’m not really sure that it has a whole lot to do with anything other than bragging rights. Also it helps that I am currently running four internet capable computers on my home network. All of which partake in streaming videos whether it be from PBSkids.org or Netflix Instant Movies. One thing I can say is that my wife, son, and I can all be on our own computers watching whatever we want whenever we want without so much as a hiccup.
I am still using the Netflix $8/month plan. To recap this allows one DVD out at a time and gives us unlimited access to their instant movie collection. This service seems to get better and better everyday. One of the most beneficial features of this service is all of the children’s programming made available online. So now when my son wants to watch Spongebob or Wonder Pets, he can watch as much as he wants, or as little as he wants, when he wants. We don’t have to worry about missing his favorite shows or making sure we’re in front of the TV at a certain time. This makes spending time outside very easily manageable as well as simplifies life for my wife and I a great deal when it comes to trying to find programming for him to watch.
On top of that we still have access to Youtube, Hulu, PBSKids, as well as all the major network websites. This allows us access to newer content that isn’t yet released to Netflix. So with top tier internet, and access to the dozens of sites hosting current media, how can I go wrong?
For communications I am still using Skype but mostly I use my cell phone. I don’t make a lot of phone calls anyway so it’s not that big of a deal for me. However, Skype does allow me to maintain a “home” phone number that I can use on things like applications and resumes. Plus it includes voicemail service at no extra cost so you can always leave me a message. I also have to mention that it’s tough to beat Skype call quality. Half the time my cellphone sounds like I’m talking into a tin can.
So here’s the monthly financial breakdown. Internet = $65 Netflix = $8 Skype = $7 for a grand total of $80 per month. Granted I could knock about $20 a month off by dropping back down to about half the internet service I have today, but I’ve been spoiled rotten with my current service so I don’t see that happening. Still, I challenge you to come up with a cheaper package from anyone. Mine includes, Internet, Phone, and TV/Movies. And eat this Time Warner Cable (who I hate by the way because they lie in their commercials), all of my movies are “On Demand” and I have access to some of highest quality HD media available.
So if anyone actually reads this, just remember… There is always an alternative. The mainstream is the mainstream for a reason, but you don’t have to pay for it and you don’t have to be beholden to anyone. The real choices are out there if you’re brave enough to try something a little unconventional. You can save a lot of money and not have to deal with all that corporate red tape. There is no coax connected to my house and there is no dial tone on my phone line and yet I’m still more connected than you’re average bear.
