Post by: myohoprincess on March 09, 2007, 09:48:14 AM
I am experiencing a temporary "situation" moneywise and am thinking of using one of those AOL discs with the "free" number of hours on it.
I have never had AOL on my computer (OS X 10.3.9 Panther), I am wondering what you experts think. Is it okay for the short term?
Post by: kelly on March 09, 2007, 09:57:25 AM
Cancel AOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmpDSBAh6RY
Post by: RobW on March 09, 2007, 10:12:42 AM
) But I do know that Tacit and I believe Pendragon use it--and I can't see either of them sticking with it if there were major issues. The problem that Kelly mentions is certainly one to be concerned about if you're going in knowing that you're a temporary user. I'm not sure if, after the bad publicity that they've gotten it cleaned up.
Post by: myohoprincess on March 09, 2007, 10:18:58 AM
Post by: pendragon on March 09, 2007, 10:29:43 AM
Nicely integrates with Mail, iChat, Address Book, and Safari via AOL's Service Assistant (5 star rating on VersionTracker)
A Universal version is in Beta. That too is getting a good rating (4.8 stars vs the 3.1 for the current version).
Like all email clients, it has its shortfalls.
BTW I: AOL is now free, as in nada, zip, zilch (as long as you are not on dial up).
BTW II: AOL Radio (200+ XM stations) is also free.
Post by: Epaminondas on March 09, 2007, 10:38:22 AM
AOL does not have the best rep in the world.
It might be best to stay away.
Lotsa inexpensive dial-up providers out there if you take a look through your local yellow pages under "Internet."
I spent an hour or two one morning on the telephone comparing the costs of six or eight such providers listed in our local yellow pages.
One big consideration was how long I was put on hold prior to even speaking to a customer representative. The 1-800 numbers had me on hold the longest - typically five minutes to forever (I eventually hung up). The local mom-and-pop providers were quick to answer - real people answering the telephone - and were not expensive.
Just make sure that you are not signing a contract involving cancellation penalty fees.
Alternatives to paying for Internet service include using the machines available at your local library or any college libraries in the area.
Or - if you have a notebook - access via the free wireless hotspots that are out there.
Lotsa ways to skin a cat.
Regards,
Epaminondas
Post by: myohoprincess on March 09, 2007, 10:38:36 AM
Post by: myohoprincess on March 09, 2007, 10:43:51 AM
Post by: kelly on March 09, 2007, 10:49:25 AM
Makes no difference in your case.
Post by: pendragon on March 09, 2007, 10:55:23 AM
I'm not sure, but I think it means AOL is not free. But as it has been so long since I used dial up, I do not know what your costs would be.
To keep costs down, you can use one of the free email clients like Yahoo.
Perhaps others who have used these types accounts can provide better counsel re their strengths and weaknesses.
Post by: Paddy on March 09, 2007, 11:34:42 AM
I don't know how much you're paying right now, so not sure what would seem cheap. My in-laws have a hotdial.net account (which I frequently borrow while traveling) that is only $9.95/mo and has proven extremely reliable. Big plus - it has literally thousands of access numbers across the US and Canada. Never had an issue with it.
Another, cheaper, option - no idea of quality, but does seem to have plenty of access numbers:
http://www.550access.com/
$5.50 a month is cheap, though as with all these inexpensive services, you will find some out there moaning about customer service issues. (And don't get me started on Comcast, who are NOT cheap!)
Post by: dboh on March 09, 2007, 02:43:40 PM
QUOTE(myohoprincess @ Mar 9 2007, 12:38 PM) [snapback]121404[/snapback]
Pendragon I am on dial-up so what does that mean?
It means you'll pay for it. I've got AOL and dial-up (with unlimited hours) for $25.90 per month. I've also had zero problems with connecting. The few problems I had with AOL X when I upgraded to 10.3.9 were quickly resolved by dealing with their Mac tech support. Hardly any waiting time on hold for that.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 09, 2007, 02:56:05 PM
Why not also check with that 'mom & pop' provider and explain your predicament? There are advantages to having local people to work with. You might even become a salesperson for them! Paid with discounted service!