I'm sorry
I have nothing to add to this topic except that I love your avatar/pic Daipac. Scrubs ROX!
I have nothing to add to this topic except that I love your avatar/pic Daipac. Scrubs ROX!
Ladykiki,
I use Verizon's BroadbandAccess service, and have played FFXI on it. One of the nice things that they have in their client is a log of data usage broken out by session (then sorted by date). So it makes it easy to keep track of how much data you've transferred. A nice feature if you're keeping track.
Looking at the logs that I've generated over several moths, I see that my usage is quite varied. Over a 2-2.5 hour timeframe, i'll use anywhere between 7 and 12 MB of total data transfer (up and down). I can say for sure that the high end of this number what me partying with my Bard, and the low end was me leveling (read: solo) my BST. So I'd use that as a gague, I hope it's helpful.
So if you played 2 hours a day on average using 10 MB of data transer (for the sake of round numbers) you'll only be using 300MB of usage over 30 days. Not too bad if you're on a 1 GB plan. I'd day the other consideration is that you'll not be on ultra-fast connections, so updating will be a little slow. And holy shit, if you ever had to do a reinstall, you're screwed for the whole month.
I hope I gave you some information you're looking for.
Random inclusion: Here is a pic of me playing in the Chicago O'Hare Airport! I think I was the only one that was stoked my flight was delayed...
I use Verizon's BroadbandAccess service, and have played FFXI on it. One of the nice things that they have in their client is a log of data usage broken out by session (then sorted by date). So it makes it easy to keep track of how much data you've transferred. A nice feature if you're keeping track.
Looking at the logs that I've generated over several moths, I see that my usage is quite varied. Over a 2-2.5 hour timeframe, i'll use anywhere between 7 and 12 MB of total data transfer (up and down). I can say for sure that the high end of this number what me partying with my Bard, and the low end was me leveling (read: solo) my BST. So I'd use that as a gague, I hope it's helpful.
So if you played 2 hours a day on average using 10 MB of data transer (for the sake of round numbers) you'll only be using 300MB of usage over 30 days. Not too bad if you're on a 1 GB plan. I'd day the other consideration is that you'll not be on ultra-fast connections, so updating will be a little slow. And holy shit, if you ever had to do a reinstall, you're screwed for the whole month.
I hope I gave you some information you're looking for.
Random inclusion: Here is a pic of me playing in the Chicago O'Hare Airport! I think I was the only one that was stoked my flight was delayed...
You can play via dial-up. If you're on a broadband connection, you'll feel the difference tho.
Crookedmidget: Ah thank you. I like those statistics. Sounds quite good. Just wondering, what speed is your broadband? And I was surprised you're able to play at the airport lol, don't they block that stuff ?
Coincidentally, I'm going to be using Vodafone's (UK's Version of Verizon) Mobile Connect card which will let me get on the internet -anywhere-, although I'm paying at business prices, that's not exactly a big matter. The pay is -roughly- the same (a bit more) if I was to rig a line up into where I live and get a contract out and having to deal with properties and such (say I had to move, it would be a big hassle and I would have to renew my contract probably).
Coincidentally, I'm going to be using Vodafone's (UK's Version of Verizon) Mobile Connect card which will let me get on the internet -anywhere-, although I'm paying at business prices, that's not exactly a big matter. The pay is -roughly- the same (a bit more) if I was to rig a line up into where I live and get a contract out and having to deal with properties and such (say I had to move, it would be a big hassle and I would have to renew my contract probably).
The speed is pretty quick, faster than dial-up for sure. The "broadband" name is a little bit of a nisnomer relative to home broadband tho, but for having as much access as I have (coverage area) I can't complain. Interestingly, airports is where the service is most desired, so I've never had an issue connecting there.
The bummer was in order to get my kit for the best price, I had to lock in for 2 years. I predict as long I can afford to have it, I will keep it, so hopefully I won't have to pay penalties for early termination.
The only unknown is having service in the exact spot you're going to be using it most. I had a 2 week grace period (no early termination fees) to try out the service to be sure that it would meet my needs, which was nice.
If you get the service, let me know. I'm very interested to know how your service works WRT FFXI.
EDIT: Here is the link to the service I have...
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/broadband/serviceoverview.jsp
The bummer was in order to get my kit for the best price, I had to lock in for 2 years. I predict as long I can afford to have it, I will keep it, so hopefully I won't have to pay penalties for early termination.
The only unknown is having service in the exact spot you're going to be using it most. I had a 2 week grace period (no early termination fees) to try out the service to be sure that it would meet my needs, which was nice.
If you get the service, let me know. I'm very interested to know how your service works WRT FFXI.
EDIT: Here is the link to the service I have...
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/broadband/serviceoverview.jsp
Last edited:
Crookedmidget:
Wow! You're actually using the same thing I'm (soon) going to use. Except that it seems you connect to a proper wireless broadband network and not using the mobile(cell) phone network. Regardless, you're able to get up to 2mbs speed and anywhere between 300kbs as lowest. The one here in UK uses the 3G Vodafone network so maximum speeds are only 384kbs. But this also means it uses the mobile phone network, meaning, I believe it'll be quite unreliable for some reason.
However, I do have 14 days to try it before I'm allowed to fully refund (otherwise I'm stuck with it for a year) it so I think I'll take the plunge and give it a go this Saturday. I have this dreaded feeling that the connection will just get dropped off very often, making me unable to play on a stable connection. But should it be fine then I think this solution to play FFXI and do other things on the internet will be well worth it as this is the ONLY solution left available. I'll see how it goes and PM you when I do get it. Just the dropping connection which worries me now, hehe. But then, I'm NOT likely to be moving around while playing, so hopefully that should help. We shall see ...
Wow! You're actually using the same thing I'm (soon) going to use. Except that it seems you connect to a proper wireless broadband network and not using the mobile(cell) phone network. Regardless, you're able to get up to 2mbs speed and anywhere between 300kbs as lowest. The one here in UK uses the 3G Vodafone network so maximum speeds are only 384kbs. But this also means it uses the mobile phone network, meaning, I believe it'll be quite unreliable for some reason.
However, I do have 14 days to try it before I'm allowed to fully refund (otherwise I'm stuck with it for a year) it so I think I'll take the plunge and give it a go this Saturday. I have this dreaded feeling that the connection will just get dropped off very often, making me unable to play on a stable connection. But should it be fine then I think this solution to play FFXI and do other things on the internet will be well worth it as this is the ONLY solution left available. I'll see how it goes and PM you when I do get it. Just the dropping connection which worries me now, hehe. But then, I'm NOT likely to be moving around while playing, so hopefully that should help. We shall see ...
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 558
- Main Job
- Server
- Quetzalcoatl
- Linkshell
- Enrosoul
Sorry to hijack this thread, but I figured this was probably the most related topic.
Okay, here's a lengthy background....
I play FFXI on the PC, but I have been thinking about getting an alternative platform to play, such as PS2 or Xbox or a laptop.
For the PS2 and Xbox options, I would have to invest money on the whole system (I have PS2 but I'd have to buy a new console) and also on a TV (mine is spoilt but I have not replaced it cos hardly watch TV).
For the laptop option, the significant advantage would be that I can play FFXI while I am not at home. Admittedly, I probably would not have much of this opportunity.
I have an iBook, but FFXI does not run on Macs... so I would have to buy a new laptop. Does anyone know the minimum specs FFXI can run on a laptop?
I'm loathe to spend much on a laptop since I have an iBook........
Also, I'm pretty certain that, in order to login both platforms at once, I'd need to buy a new copy of FFXI right (New POL ID)?
Okay, here's a lengthy background....
I play FFXI on the PC, but I have been thinking about getting an alternative platform to play, such as PS2 or Xbox or a laptop.
For the PS2 and Xbox options, I would have to invest money on the whole system (I have PS2 but I'd have to buy a new console) and also on a TV (mine is spoilt but I have not replaced it cos hardly watch TV).
For the laptop option, the significant advantage would be that I can play FFXI while I am not at home. Admittedly, I probably would not have much of this opportunity.
I have an iBook, but FFXI does not run on Macs... so I would have to buy a new laptop. Does anyone know the minimum specs FFXI can run on a laptop?
I'm loathe to spend much on a laptop since I have an iBook........
Also, I'm pretty certain that, in order to login both platforms at once, I'd need to buy a new copy of FFXI right (New POL ID)?
Correct on the new POL ID, if you want to log on to both platforms at the same time. However, if you install the game on the new laptop, you can play on there on your original ID without paying anything extra, just not at the same time as on your original system. As far as system requirements for the laptop, they are the same as regular PC version. You should be able to look them up on your original box/game manual.
System Requirements:
PC Version:
Minimum System Requirements
* Operating System - Microsoft Windows 98 / 98SE / Me / 2000 / XP.
* CPU / Processor - Intel Pentium III 800Mhz or faster processor.
* Memory (RAM) - 128 MB RAM.
* Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce series graphics processing unit with 32MB or ATI RADEON 9000 series graphics card.
* Sound Card - DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card.
* Hard Disk Space - 6 GB free hard disk space.
* CD-ROM Speed - 4x CD-ROM Drive (installation only).
* Others - Keyboard, Mouse.
Recommended System Requirements
* Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP.
* CPU / Processor - Intel Pentium 4 processor.
* Memory (RAM) - 256 MB RAM.
* Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForceFX series graphics processing unit (AGP)
with 64MB of VRAM.
* Sound Card - DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card.
* Hard Disk Space - 6 GB free hard disk space.
* CD-ROM Speed - 32x CD-ROM Drive (installation only).
* Internet Connection - Cable / DSL Broadband.
* Others - Keyboard w/ 10-key numeric pad, Mouse w/ Wheel.
System Requirements:
PC Version:
Minimum System Requirements
* Operating System - Microsoft Windows 98 / 98SE / Me / 2000 / XP.
* CPU / Processor - Intel Pentium III 800Mhz or faster processor.
* Memory (RAM) - 128 MB RAM.
* Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce series graphics processing unit with 32MB or ATI RADEON 9000 series graphics card.
* Sound Card - DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card.
* Hard Disk Space - 6 GB free hard disk space.
* CD-ROM Speed - 4x CD-ROM Drive (installation only).
* Others - Keyboard, Mouse.
Recommended System Requirements
* Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP.
* CPU / Processor - Intel Pentium 4 processor.
* Memory (RAM) - 256 MB RAM.
* Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForceFX series graphics processing unit (AGP)
with 64MB of VRAM.
* Sound Card - DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card.
* Hard Disk Space - 6 GB free hard disk space.
* CD-ROM Speed - 32x CD-ROM Drive (installation only).
* Internet Connection - Cable / DSL Broadband.
* Others - Keyboard w/ 10-key numeric pad, Mouse w/ Wheel.
Altheya:
I play both on the PC and PS2. True to the Dedalius's comments, you can play on any system with your POL ID, you just cannot login to two different systems at the same time with the same ID. If you go the laptop option, you won't need to buy a new copy of FFXI and the expansions if you already have a legit copy you currently use. If you go the PS2 route, you're going to have to get a "old school" PS2 (the thick one) and a HDD if you don't already have one, and new copy of FFXI including all the expansions you intend to use on that platform. You can still use your current POL ID, or you can use a new one if you're willing to pay two subscription fees every month. This will allow you to play two characters at once. Kinda like having your own "live" NPC! If you need to buy a PS2 (assuming you can find one), a new copy of FFXI and possibly a new TV, IMHO you're better off getting a laptop. I've seen some low-end laptops from Dell for relativly cheap (say, $400 USD) lately. I'm sure you can get something similiar at your local "big box" retailer (in the US Costco, Best Buy, Office Max/Depot, et al). The only thing I've heard is that the graphics chipset may be an issue, but honestly i've seen FFXI run fine on laptops. I play on an IBM Thinkpad T42 with 1GB of ram and it's fine. Sometimes when synthing, the animation swurls around like a flaming meteor, but beyond that, I have no issues... Good luck, let us know what you go with.
LadyKiki:
Yeah, they say 2MB but I've never seen it in my market. I'm in a non-upgraded area, so I get the slower speeds.
WRT to losing connection during play, it happens just as infrequently on wireless as it does on my home broadband connection. As a rule of thumb, if I have less than 2 bars (out of 4) I look for a better spot. Just as with cell phones, the signal flaps a bit, so I like to be sitting steady especially if I'm backup healing, or worse, pulling risky charms as BST. Also, my particular card has a jack for an external antenna, so if I wanted to, I could get a better antenna and be wired to it. I haven't needed to use this option, so I've ony researched this option as a chioce, but not needed to impliment it.
Good luck on the plunge!! I'm really curious on your success.
I play both on the PC and PS2. True to the Dedalius's comments, you can play on any system with your POL ID, you just cannot login to two different systems at the same time with the same ID. If you go the laptop option, you won't need to buy a new copy of FFXI and the expansions if you already have a legit copy you currently use. If you go the PS2 route, you're going to have to get a "old school" PS2 (the thick one) and a HDD if you don't already have one, and new copy of FFXI including all the expansions you intend to use on that platform. You can still use your current POL ID, or you can use a new one if you're willing to pay two subscription fees every month. This will allow you to play two characters at once. Kinda like having your own "live" NPC!
If you need to buy a PS2 (assuming you can find one), a new copy of FFXI and possibly a new TV, IMHO you're better off getting a laptop. I've seen some low-end laptops from Dell for relativly cheap (say, $400 USD) lately. I'm sure you can get something similiar at your local "big box" retailer (in the US Costco, Best Buy, Office Max/Depot, et al). The only thing I've heard is that the graphics chipset may be an issue, but honestly i've seen FFXI run fine on laptops. I play on an IBM Thinkpad T42 with 1GB of ram and it's fine. Sometimes when synthing, the animation swurls around like a flaming meteor, but beyond that, I have no issues... Good luck, let us know what you go with.LadyKiki:
Yeah, they say 2MB but I've never seen it in my market. I'm in a non-upgraded area, so I get the slower speeds.
WRT to losing connection during play, it happens just as infrequently on wireless as it does on my home broadband connection. As a rule of thumb, if I have less than 2 bars (out of 4) I look for a better spot. Just as with cell phones, the signal flaps a bit, so I like to be sitting steady especially if I'm backup healing, or worse, pulling risky charms as BST. Also, my particular card has a jack for an external antenna, so if I wanted to, I could get a better antenna and be wired to it. I haven't needed to use this option, so I've ony researched this option as a chioce, but not needed to impliment it.Good luck on the plunge!! I'm really curious on your success.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 558
- Main Job
- Server
- Quetzalcoatl
- Linkshell
- Enrosoul
Thanks for the comprehensive run through guys! I'm really looking at the laptop options, but I want to make sure I"m getting somthing that I can play FFXI with.... and not fall asleep waiting for the screend to load or something.
I guess I'd need to check out the graphics card more... but I was wondering whether I could get away with a celeron processor especially since it says P III and above that kind of stuff.
I guess I'd need to check out the graphics card more... but I was wondering whether I could get away with a celeron processor especially since it says P III and above that kind of stuff.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 558
- Main Job
- Server
- Quetzalcoatl
- Linkshell
- Enrosoul
Cool! I was never very sure where celerons stood in relation to Pentium 'ratings' so I didn't figure it would be a viable option!dedalius said:
I guess I can start looking at laptops now^^
Celerons do work. But if the cost of getting a non-celeron system was still in my budget, I'd go that route. Also look at AMD systems, since the price to performance ratio may exceed what a Celeron may have to offer. Actually, I'd bet a Chocobo Ticket that this is true...
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 558
- Main Job
- Server
- Quetzalcoatl
- Linkshell
- Enrosoul
Only a chocobo ticket???crookedmidget said:
Currently my PC is an AMD system, so I'm fine with AMD systems.. just need to make sure FFXI works.... else.... the whole point is lost.
When I built my current PC, I told my friend I have only 1 requirement. I must be able to play FFXI on it.
crookedmidget said:LadyKiki:
Yeah, they say 2MB but I've never seen it in my market. I'm in a non-upgraded area, so I get the slower speeds.
Good luck on the plunge!! I'm really curious on your success.
Oh so you actually play on slower speeds. I thought the way it works between your version and my version is completely different, but it seems like it's the same now, since it's based on signal, so it must be somewhat related to the mobile(cell) phone network. I dunno, I'm not too technical on these things but I think I'll be getting this on Saturday now. I finish work at 5 and the shop closes at 5:30, I don't think they'll appreciate it when I get there at 5:20 asking to sign up on one of these contracts (it's been a long day, and I doubt they'll have the patience to do all the paper work with me).