Datastream vs IP Stream

Once I have ADSL (reference my earlier HH->ADSL thread) I was torn
between sticking with Demon and going for their 512k service or either
Nildram or Zen (512 or 1Mb I am uable to decide).

I'm assuming all these are IPStream products.

I noticed in recent threads the Central Point 1MB offer
(http://www.cpbb.co.uk) wich seems a worthwhile consideration (although
they don't offer managed HH conversions). This I take it is a Datastream
product with contention controlled by CentralPoint/Telefonica rather
than BT.

Apart from the decision of whether 1MB is worth it over 512K how much of
a difference if any would an "average Joe" see between an IP Stream and
Datastream products ?

I guess its worth asking again if 1MB over 512 is really worth it ? Its
mainly e-mail, news and web stuff with the odd major download but
nothing much with current usage.

Thanks as ever for help and input.

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secured a place in history by writing:

> I guess its worth asking again if 1MB over 512 is really worth it ? Its
> mainly e-mail, news and web stuff with the odd major download but
> nothing much with current usage.

Personally I don't think so. I'm tempted, but I doubt I'd see any real
difference - WWW, Mail and News are as near instantaneous as makes no
difference and I too rarely download big stuff (and if I did, I'd leave it
running and go and do something else)

Streaming video would perhaps be better in some cases,but I rarely do that
either (apart from BBC News type RP stuff, which is no problem)

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In article <(E-Mail Removed)>,
(E-Mail Removed) () wrote:

> Apart from the decision of whether 1MB is worth it over 512K how much of
> a difference if any would an "average Joe" see between an IP Stream and
> Datastream products ?

Datastream is somewhat more advanced and allows ISPs to configure the
contention and speed of your ADSL line, rather than BT directly. This
means that should you wish to switch from 512K to 2MB in the future, it
can be done within seconds and no downtime would be required.

It also means that you will probably see datastream ISPs offering 1:1
contention ratios on some future products. And it's how Tiscali can offer
150K ADSL.

The downside is that fault resolution can be more difficult although I
suspect this will sort itself out overtime ...

Leslie