The diary of a 40+ something gadget obsessed technology geek and journalist.......
I received a Chumby for Christmas, a Classic model to be precise rather than the recently launched ONE but more of that later.
The Chumby is a difficult device to pidgeon hole. It’s a small Linux powered web connected gadget to which you can add up to a 100 ‘widgets’ from a list of thousands available at Chumby’s website. It is also a streaming web radio and clock/alarm.
It has a 3.5″ colour touch screen, stereo speakers, two USB “A” ports and a unique soft leather shell.
Having had a few days now in which to appraise the BE Broadband service I am delighted to report that it far surpasses expectations.
Not only am I now enjoying un-metered and un-throttled ADSL but I’m syncing at 18Mbps which is a huge improvement on the 5.5Mbps I was getting with PlusNet. I should point out that PlusNet could not offer me ADSL2+ for some reason.
Although Be Broadband have recently redesigned their website which now looks hideous, if you can get past that you will get a great service. Tickets are promptly replied to and updated via SMS and I’ve been amazed at the pleasant and helpful replies.
On Saturday whilst I was still awaiting my BEBox ADSL2+ router I opened a ticket asking for the IP details I needed so I could try connecting with my existing ADSL2+ compatible Netgear router.
Given my experience with PlusNet I wasn’t expecting a reply anytime soon but instead I had the answer via the ticket system and an SMS within an hour. Again yesterday I asked where my router was and had a reply apologising, stating that the courier would deliver today and not only did that happen but they followed it up with an email to confirm I had received it. Fantastic!
So now I can enjoy Spotify, BBC iPlayer and other sites without worrying about bumping up against the limits PlusNet imposed and so far I’ve not seen any slow-downs during the normal peak periods.
If you’re looking to change, you can’t go far wrong with these guys.
