QUOTE(lowkl @ Aug 1 2007, 05:19 PM)
Tested their bandwidth at Low Yat - got approx 500Kbps (that's kilobits per sec, NOT BYTES) using their IzziPRO desktop terminal. Location was smack centre, Ground Floor, in the middle of an computer/notebook promo. I would imagine quite bad interference, so OK-lah.
The only good news: Both the PCMCIA and the USB models have external antenna connectors. They don't have their own, but say that many third party antennas can be found, some even at Low Yat.
..... BOTTOM LINE: KIV at least until they get their packaging right.
Added on August 1, 2007, 5:29 pmAND ANOTHER THING.....
With their current packaging, you would supposedly pay RM88, RM98 or RM118 a month to get the PCMCIA, USB or Desktop Terminals respectively. The price difference has to come from the different prices of the User Terminals (UTs).
I would understand if you would have to pay "extra" for a more expensive UT for one or even two years. However, they way they have done things, you would pay extra *FOREVER* for a different terminal, even through the throughput is EXACTLY THE SAME!
What-lah-wei.
Sounds like it was a total letdown, from the way you put it. Here are some additional observations.
Firstly, coverage/reception quality of the access devices. They conveniently left out what are "good" and "bad" coverage areas from their original website (it's still active, which in my opinion, is errr...not a good thing from a marketing standpoint). I quote content from the relevant webpage below:
QUOTE
11. What are the good and bad locations for iBurst devices?
Good Locations
* Any areas that are not too built up or dense ie: close to window with not too many trees in the way, not on the floor, rather a window sill.
Bad Locations
* Electrified fencing - Placement where signal goes through electrified fencing can deteriorate
* Tennis court fencing - Signal going through tennis court fencing to your base station can deteriorate
* Dense tree growth - Dense tree growth in line with your base station can deteriorate signal
* Burglar proofing - Burglar proofing can cause your signal to deteriorate, place device antenna past the steel bars
* Walls - Walls bounce signal, preferably try to place the device to have a clear line to the base station
* Window tinting - Certain types of window tinting have ben know to deteriorate signal quality
* Security gates - If working in a office with a security gate the bars may deteriorate the signal quality
* Window blinds - Manufactured of steel window blinds can reflect your signal, open them to improve
Bottom line if you read carefully - it's highly recommended to place the device next to a window sill; otherwise you won't get good reception which means your surfing experience will be badly affected.
Here's the relevant webpage.. This website may also contain things within it that is not present in the current website; browse at your leisure to see what else has been conveniently left out.
Secondly, the type of antenna used. In fact, all three devices allow the attachment of external antenna. I don't know what connector is in use though, it's too small and the specifications of the cards/devices don't mention antenna connector type. I suspect it could be of the MMCX/MC Card family. It's doubtful that you could use a standard wifi antenna operating at 2.4Ghz to use on these devices which operate on 1.79Ghz, the frequency difference, while small, may be significant enough to negate any improvement in signal reception. Ever wondered why you don't just hook up your spare Astro dish to your wifi device to boost reception? Yes, I know, not a fair comparison, but you get the idea. So, be careful rushing out there to get any antenna hoping it will work with the devices.
Thirdly, they do business through their resellers, not direct with the customer. This makes taking them to whatever tribunal or court difficult if you decide legal action is necessary. The contract is between you and the reseller (typically just an IT shop that makes some "buta" commissions). Therefore the refund process will also travel through the reseller, then onto Izzi for them to process. Too many potential bottlenecks and hurdles, if you ask me; where the process can fail.
Fourthly, the way it was described to me, after a year, the device is all yours. Renewal packages come in a minimum of 3-month periods, that is, their renewal period packages are for 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months if I was told correctly. Therefore, whatever device you end up buying shouldn't affect renewal cost since you already paid for the device; therefore renewal rates
must be the same for all three devices. This is unless they're telling untruths again.
Their main selling point and main target market appears to be expatriates, anyone who's rich enough to try and people who are just so desperate that they will try anything having experienced the "greatest" that the alternative broadband providers have to offer. Why? Easy - because you pay your money, you take the device home, you switch it on, and immediately can begin surfing. No need to apply and pay recurring charges for telephone lines, etc.
And people seem to be harping on the point of "they don't throttle P2P at the moment" (search elsewhere in the forum). They have already explicitly stated that they will shape P2P traffic, so it's only a matter of time. They have also specifically stated that they will terminate the services of anyone who is a heavy downloader and/or uploader, although what "heavy" means can only, I suspect, be interpreted in a court of law since the T&Cs are so vague.
Caveat emptor, as I always say to my friends.
Jul 29 2007, 06:00 PM
Think I've found the right site to get some advice on bband. Any recommendation on a good bband service in KL area? Currently on 3G...but finds it a bit expensive and crappy except in certain areas... 
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I guess many inrastructures in our M'sia is still in infancy as a developing nation and we often adopt the "Thy neighbor is always better" outlook. It's good actually - that shows we are not a contented bunch and always strive for better things. Maybe we should give some 'dark horses'a break and give them time to walk their talk...
1 year upfront subscription.
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