Help Me Pick Out an Internet Service!

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m moving, and need cable and internet. Currently, I’m leaning towards Provider A, whose prices (on the surface) look very reasonable. But there’s a tiered package, and I have no idea what sort of speed I need for high speed internet.

The Contenders:
Package A: Download up to 1.5 Mbps / Upload up to 1.0 Mbps
Package B (A + $5): Download up to 3.0 Mbps / Upload up to 1.0 Mbps
Package C (B + $5): Download up to 6.0 Mbps / Upload up to 1.0 Mbps

Beyond that lies madness.

I’m not an internet power user. I don’t download movies, I don’t stream from an HTPC, etc. At peak performance, here’s what I could see being utilized all at one time:

3 computers (2 laptops, 1 desktop)
1 PS3 or 1 Wii
2 iPhones

If there’s another internet device in the house, I’m not aware of it. I don’t play the PS3 online much (ever), but could. I don’t play any PC games online much, but could - especially when Diablo III comes out. But I’m not hosting LAN parties or running a call center out of my house.

So - is 3.0 Mbps necessary? Will 1.5 Mbps frustrate me? Will I never leave home if I have 6.0 Mbps of internet porn?

2

I have approximately package A and similar usage and haven’t had any major problems. Occasionally there are some large downloads that take longer than they would otherwise, but nothing I can’t wait for. I don’t think it should cost you anything to upgrade from A to B to C though, so just give A a try and upgrade if you are indeed frustrated.

3

Good call.

Anyone know of a resource that would explain the various download speeds with some sort of useful analogy or example?