Mac on Satellite

[ruthpal]

  Hi, I'm new to this forum. I was introduced by Terry V, I am experienced on Mac platform but don't know all the "techy" language so please have mercy! I recently purchased a mac portable G4  with an airport bus extreme for internet use with DSL in my home. My question is: Is there a card I can puchase for my mac that will give me a satellite link for my mac so I am not confined to the four walls of my home? My friend said her husband has a PC with a satellite card. I love my mac. I have OS 9 and 10. I look forward to your response. Thank you and have a great day.0

[Bruce_F]

ruthpal!

Satellite cards... here's one place to check out. Skycasters

It's has to be the most expensive way I have ever seen to get online though.

QUOTE

Skycasters broadband satellite internet access costs slightly more than Cable or DSL, but far less than a T-1.    Skycasters does not attempt to compare its satellite internet prices to those of Cable or DSL providers. If access to  these services is available in your area, you should compare pricing and service carefully. Where available, either Cable or DSL are usually priced lower than broadband satellite  internet service. Because of the high cost of leasing dedicated satellite capacity, satellite internet access costs slightly more than  Cable or DSL for a similar level of service. Broadband satellite internet  prices may be higher, however cost may be less important than availability in areas where Cable or DSL is not available.  Skycasters service plans for high speed satellite internet access typically ranges from about $100 up to around $250 monthly... 

Notice that they don't actually tell you the price for individuals.

[krissel]

to TS.

Satellite is an expensive way to go. Only if you have no other way to get broadband would it be recommended. Remember you have to have unobstructed view usually to the South/southwest about 60 degrees above the horizon (though you didn't list where you are located).

Also,

QUOTE

Because satellite internet service is, like ADSL, an asymmetrical service most of the bandwidth is reserved for downloading and a minor amount is reserved for uploading. Uploads over the service are generally in the 30-60 Kbps range and can burst up to a maximum of 128 Kbps.

Have you checked into DSL or cable? There is another thread presently discussing those choices... Connection speedup.

You may be confusing the satellite option for something like Airport which would allow you to roam within a certain distance of the Airport unit, inside or outside your house. A satellite dish setup is not necessary for that.

Here are a few links to check out.

Net2dish  (you may have to reload the page to get it to display properly

satellite for Mac discussion

That last website is a good place to find lots of info on the subject.

[jepinto]

I may be wrong but I think ruthpal is talking Airport, but just in case......

Satellite connection is only good if ......aw heck, I can't think of a time that it is good.....wait, yes I did.  Only if you intend to spend a lot of time downloading large files.

Our office "network" is hooked through a satellite modem.  Disappointing is the nicest word to describe the experience.  

• Slow-for surfing, a good dialup (mine was 48K) is faster.  Day to day surfing is SLOW
• unreliable-when it rains, no connection.  If you are subject to cloudiness, slow connection.
• With residential service your speed gain is only for downloads, you must purchase the business service to get the "upload" speed gain
• a PC, running Windows, is required for the software, you'll have to purchase a router to connect your Mac to the PC, or a $100± dw4020 plus paying for premium service.
• DirecWay's email is ATROCIOUS.  Frequent returns "mail service is unavailable" when sending TO a direcway address, SLOW sending, the system hangs often, sending a 400K attachment can take 5-7 minutes.  You WILL learn to use the "Send Later" and "Send Unsent Mail" commands.

[kelly]

Hi ruthpal. Welcome to the Forum.

Don't worry.

We like to answer questions from people that aren't real "techy".

I also think you're just asking about regular Airport stuff.

Did you get the Airport Card for your machine?

Can you tell us just which Laptop it is?

http://new.lowendmac.com/pb2/g4-1ghz.html

http://new.lowendmac.com/powerbooks.html