Good broadband deal or not?

Last evening, I got an estimate from the PCCW sales rep for a Netvigator Broadband and NOW Broadband "package deal".


For $336 x 24 months, I can get the following:


• 8Mbps connection


• Free ASUS WL-530g 802.11g Pocket Router:

http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=12&l2=43&l3=0&model=409&modelmenu=1


• Free ASUS WL-167g 802.11g USB2.0 WLAN Adapter (pen-type):

http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=12&l2=42&l3=0&model=57&modelmenu=1


• BBC Prime, BBC World, CNBC, Discovery, National Geographic, STAR Movies, STAR World, and three HBO channels


Is the price too much?


Could I sweeten the deal somehow?


Thanks for your helpful inputs.

Thanks for replying, RadiodocReturns.


I need NOW for the family, so that's settled.


I was not aware about the 640Kbps upload speed. I spoke with another PCCW rep -- Emily -- last night, and she swore that the upload speed was close to 8Mbps (depending on where in Hong Kong I was). Yeah, right!


Regardless, and as you say, I will need the faster connection for NOW.


For those that may be interested in just Netvigator Broadband:


8Mbps for 18 months, with wireless router, costs $256


8Mbps for 18 months, with free DVD recorder, costs $224


In closing, does this particular ASUS router work as advertised? I don't know anyone who owns an ASUS router.

ADDENDUM


I spoke with a Martin this morning, and learned that:


• I cannot just subscribe to 8Mbps Netvigator Broadband anymore. Basic NOW Broadband TV, which includes 16 craptacular channels, any 2 channels of my choice and MGM, will compulsorily be forced down my throat. This 18-month "package" costs $208 per month. I could, however, still pay $208 and opt out of NOW Broadband TV. The reward? A $100 supermarket cash coupon, most likely from Park n' Shop.


• The above package plus the ASUS router will bump up the price to $256 per month. PCCW is not really selling the router cheap. Besides, I have now learned that, should the need ever arise, they will not offer any free technical support; they will charge me $200 per visit. I Googled for a review on the ASUS router, and although good things were said about it, I think I would rather buy one made by Linksys or Netgear.


• 3Mbps service for $145 per month is no more; they want $180 for it now.


QUERY


Which router would you recommend I buy, and which shop(s) sell(s) it at a good price?


Thanks again for your help.

OK, no Linksys for me then.


I will go to Wanchai sometime this week or after the CNY to look for a router.


Too, I will see if I can strike a better deal with the street vendors.


Thank you for your time, RadiodocReturns!

iPig is a small token of my appreciation for all your help.


What?


iPig is simply the most easy-to-use wireless encryption FREEWARE.


The problem:


Whenever you use an internet connection in a public or publically accessible place, you put your data at risk. The internet connection may be a free or commercial Wi-Fi hotspot, an Ethernet network jack in your hotel room, or a network drop in the office you're visiting. All data you send can be intercepted easily and quickly by persons unknown, without your knowledge. Your data may be your e-mail usernames and passwords, your e-mails, Instant Messages, web passwords, and all the web pages you visit.


The solution:


iOpus Private Internet Gateway (iPIG).


Using powerful 256-bit AES encryption technology, iPIG creates a secure "tunnel" that protects your inbound and outbound communications (E-mail, Web, IM, VOIP, calls, FTP, etc.) at any Wi-Fi hotspot or wired network.


iPIG shields your data from even the most sophisticated methods of online spying and snooping like the "Evil twin attackts". In addition, your sensitive information is not only protected between your computer and the wireless access point you're using, but all the way to iOpus' secure connection servers deep in the Internet. This ensures that your data can't be easily hijacked through the air and at the point it transitions to a "wired" Ethernet connection.


Unlike other technologies, iPig works with any kind of Internet connection (Wi-Fi, WLAN, 802.11 a/b/g, wired ethernet) and requires NO configuration of any kind. You just start your favorite web browser, e-mail client or chat software and switch the iPig encryption on: iPig grabs all Internet traffic before it leaves your PC and encrypts it securely! iPig also works with all major firewall software like Zonealarm or Norton Internet Security. The software runs on Windows 2000, XP and 2003 (Sorry, Windows 98, ME are not supported).


How does iPig security compare to WEP or WPA encryption?


* WEP encryption is already broken and thus not secure. WEP will stop a casual user, but freely available programs like AirSnort enable any Cracker to break into your WLAN with little trouble. Making matters even worse, the cracking techniques most frequently used will work equally well no matter what WEP key length you're using.


* WPA encryption itself is secure, but stops at the hotspot. Thus while it protects your data while it is "in the air", it offers no protection at all if the hotspot itself is corrupted.


* In contrast, if the data is encrypted with iPig, the data is still encrypted while it passes through the hotspot. Thus, even an "evil twin" attack can not compromise your security.


The cost:


iPig is freeware.


Homepage:


http://www.iopus.com/ipig/