The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders

Today is Amazon Prime Day if you haven’t noticed. If you don’t have a Prime Membership,there are plenty of other retailers with deals today. Who are they?

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The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders
Today is Amazon Prime Day if you haven’t noticed. What is Amazon Prime Day? It’s the day that Amazon opens its doors to all its Prime members to get deep discounts on select products, deals, and services. If you’re not a Prime member, you don’t get to enjoy Amazon’s version of “Black Friday in July.” Check out our previous post, 6 Steps to Finding the Best Deals for Amazon Prime Day to find out how you can get the most out of what’s left of this thirty-six hour day of sales. And even if you don’t have a Prime Membership, there are plenty of other retailers looking to take the wind out of Amazon’s sales by offering their own special deals on Amazon’s special day. Who are they? More importantly, how do you take advantage of these deals?

Massdrop

Massdrop is the online home for hobbyists and enthusiasts. From quilting to cooking to technology, Massdrop is geared towards finding and producing top quality products to help you get the most out of your hobby. It’s an online store that’s even more exclusive than Amazon. The good news is that you can join for free to get in on their Anti-Prime Day deals.

eBay

Unlike Amazon, an online retailer, eBay is an online marketplace for people to sell their goods and wares. It may be semantics, but everyone on eBay is a reseller. A very large community of indie stores has set up shop on eBay, more so that Amazon. eBay is free to shop, no special membership required to take advantage of their deals. Right on eBay’s homepage is the Daily Deals button to let you know who’s got sales going on and for how long. Don’t miss it!

Gamestop

Either in their physical stores or online, Gamestop has deals running throughout today and tomorrow. Check their weekly ad and the Deal’s section of their website to find out where the deals are and how to get the most out of them.

B&H Photo

This online retailer focuses on photography and video. This also means they branch out to computers, TVs, camcorders, lighting, and more. Click on their Specials tab to check out B&H’s deals and sales for today.

Google Store

Google, not wanting to be outdone by one of their biggest competitors in the virtual assistant market, has offered for this day as well. Check out their personal store to find their deals. They don’t have a centralized listing of them though, meaning you might have to guess which ones are discounted. It’s not very time efficient. Their products are also discounted in stores as well. To do this you’ll have to search each page individually, on your own internet browser. If you’ve managed to land one of the best internet deals, this shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Razer Game Store

This online game retailer allows you to buy physical copies of your favorite game or download it directly to your platform of choice. Razer has conveniently compiled all their deals and sales on their homepage for you. There’s more available, but the top ones are put on the homepage. There’s no need for a centralized list here!

Target

Some of the deals you’ll find with Target are at their physical stores, and some are online only. Simply visit Target’s homepage, click on the Weekly Ad tab and type in your zip code to find the deals available at your nearest Target store.

Microsoft

Similar to Google, Microsoft hasn’t put together a centralized list of their sales and deals for Amazon Prime Day. Again, you’ll have to search product by product to find out if there’s a deal going on or not.

Some Help

Thanks to sites like The Verge, CNET, PC Mag, and others, there are ongoing lists of deals both on and off Amazon that will help you find the best deals for this day. There are also a host of third-party sites that notify you of deals going on. Simply pick the one you feel most comfortable with and set up which products, or sellers, you want to watch for deals and sales. There’s Tech Bargains, Offers.com, Slickdeals, and much more!

Get a jump on Christmas

It may seem as though Amazon is trying to set up their own special shopping day in the middle of summer, but there are some positives to this whole thing too. For one, Amazon is simply clearing out merchandise for the coming holiday season. As more and more stores are trying to milk Christmas, you’ll start to see holiday selling season start earlier and earlier. Two, you’ll be able to take care of some holiday shopping. It’s a little absurd to be shopping for Christmas now, that’s understandable. Look at it another way, you’re able to take a little stress out of your holidays now by getting a few gifts or items purchased now. Lastly, with Amazon creating this artificial holiday in the middle of summer vacation, other stores are responding to it. This means they’re going to be offering deep discounts and deals to compete with Amazon. And with sellers compete on price, be Amazon, Google, or anyone else, you end up winning!

How Fast Does Internet Need to Be for Streaming, Gaming, and More?

Internet speed is expressed in megabytes per second. Abbreviated as Mbps,this number measures the amount of information traveling over the... Read More

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How Fast Does Internet Need to Be for Streaming, Gaming, and More?

Internet Speed Requirements: Streaming, Gaming, and More

Are you moving into a new home and in need of reliable and efficient internet service? Look no further! In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the internet speed requirements for various activities such as streaming, gaming, video conferencing, browsing, and email, as well as downloading large files. By understanding these requirements, you can ensure that your internet speed is fast enough to meet your needs. Let's dive in!

Internet Speed Requirements for Streaming

: To ensure a smooth streaming experience, it is recommended to have a minimum internet speed of 100 Mbps. This advanced service provides sufficient bandwidth for high-quality video and eliminates buffering issues. With fast internet speeds, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming of your favorite movies and TV shows without any lag or interruptions.

Fastest Internet for Seamless Streaming: When it comes to streaming, the faster your internet connection, the better. With broadband speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps or more, you can effortlessly stream content in 4K resolution while simultaneously using other devices on the same network. Investing in a reliable and high-speed broadband connection guarantees optimal performance when enjoying your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.

Streaming Services and Recommended Speeds

  • Netflix: 
  • For standard definition (SD), a minimum recommended speed of 3 Mbps is required. For high definition (HD), a minimum speed of 5 Mbps is recommended.
  • Hulu: 
  • To enjoy streaming in SD, a minimum speed of 3 Mbps is necessary. For HD quality, the recommended speed increases to 8 Mbps.
  • Amazon Prime Video: 
  • To watch content in SD, a range of 0.9-1.5 Mbps is sufficient. For HD streaming, aim for speeds between 3.5-6 Mbps; however, if you want to experience Ultra HD quality, make sure your connection reaches at least 15Mbps.

These speeds are important factors that determine the quality of your streaming experience on these popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Ensure that your broadband service provides enough bandwidth to support fast internet connections needed for uninterrupted viewing pleasure without buffering issues or video lag.

Note: If you're looking for more advanced services like gaming or video conferencing which require higher internet speeds than what's mentioned above (100Mbps or faster), it's advisable to consult with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about available options tailored to those needs

Factors Affecting Streaming Quality

- Internet Connection Type: Fiber-optic connections, such as advanced services offering 100 Mbps or higher bandwidth, generally provide faster streaming speeds compared to DSL or cable internet.

Streaming quality can be affected by factors such as the type of internet connection, the number of devices connected, and network congestion.

- Number of Devices Connected: When multiple devices are connected to the same network, it can slow down your internet speeds and affect streaming quality.

- Network Congestion: During peak hours when many users are online, broadband networks may experience congestion which can result in slower streaming speeds.

Internet Speed Requirements for Online Gaming

Fast internet speed is crucial for a smooth online gaming experience. To minimize lag and ensure seamless gameplay, a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps is recommended. However, for optimal performance in multiplayer games or high-definition graphics, it's best to aim for speeds above 50 Mbps.

In addition to fast download speeds, low latency is equally important for online gaming. Latency refers to the delay between when you input a command and when it is executed in the game. For an enjoyable gaming experience, aim for latency below 50 milliseconds (ms), with anything below 20 ms considered excellent. This will help prevent frustrating delays and maintain responsiveness during intense gameplay sessions.

Recommended Speeds for Different Types of Online Gaming

1. First-person shooter games require fast internet speeds to ensure smooth gameplay and minimize lag. Aim for at least 10 Mbps download speed and a latency below 50 ms for an optimal gaming experience.

2. Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) demand a reliable and fast internet connection to handle the heavy data load. A minimum download speed of 25 Mbps, upload speed of 5 Mbps, and low latency under 100 ms are recommended for seamless gameplay.

3. Real-time strategy games rely heavily on quick response times, making low latency crucial. Aim for a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps, upload speed of 5 Mbps, and latency below 50 ms to avoid delays in executing your strategies effectively.

Importance of Low Latency for Online Gaming

Reducing input lag and improving responsiveness are crucial for online gaming. With low latency, players can execute their actions quickly without experiencing delays, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience. It allows gamers to react faster to in-game events and enhances their overall performance.

Low latency also plays a significant role in enhancing the competitive gaming experience. In multiplayer games, every millisecond counts when it comes to making split-second decisions or engaging in fast-paced battles. By minimizing latency, gamers gain an edge over their opponents, enabling fairer competition and more intense gameplay.

Additionally, having low latency helps prevent game freezes or disruptions during online gaming sessions. High-latency connections can lead to frustrating interruptions that hinder the flow of gameplay and disconnect players from the immersive virtual environment. A stable and fast connection with reduced latency ensures uninterrupted gaming sessions and maximizes enjoyment for all players involved.

Internet Speed Requirements for Video Conferencing

Fast internet speed is crucial for a seamless video conferencing experience. To ensure smooth communication, a minimum upload and download speed of 1 Mbps is recommended. However, for high-definition video conferencing or larger group calls, a faster internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is necessary to avoid lag and audio/video disruptions.

Minimum Speeds for Video Conferencing Platforms

Understanding the Bandwidth Requirements for Video Conferencing:

  • Video conferencing platforms require a minimum internet speed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted communication.
  • The bandwidth requirements vary depending on factors such as video resolution, number of participants, and features used.
  • To avoid lagging or freezing during video conferences, it's recommended to have a stable internet connection with sufficient upload and download speeds.

Recommended Internet Speeds for Popular Video Conferencing Apps:

  • Zoom: 
  • Minimum 2 Mbps upload and download speeds for one-on-one calls; 3 Mbps for group meetings.
  • Microsoft Teams: 
  • Minimum 1.2 Mbps upload and download speeds for high-quality audio/video calls; higher bandwidth required for larger meetings or screen sharing.
  • Google Meet: 
  • Minimum 2 Mbps upload and download speeds for HD video quality; lower quality can be achieved with slower connections.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Internet Plans for Smooth Video Conferences:

  • Number of users in your household who will be using the internet simultaneously.
  • Usage patterns (e.g., streaming, gaming, downloading) that may compete for bandwidth during video conferences.
  • Take into account future needs as well to avoid upgrading frequently.

Factors Impacting Video Conferencing Quality

The upload and download speeds of your internet connection play a crucial role in the quality of video conferencing. A fast and stable internet connection ensures smooth transmission of audio and video, reducing lag and buffering issues. Additionally, low latency and ping rates are vital for seamless communication during video calls, as they minimize delays between sending and receiving data. Lastly, employing effective bandwidth management techniques can optimize the quality of your video conference by prioritizing network resources for real-time communication needs.

Internet Speed Requirements for Browsing and Email

When it comes to browsing and email, you don't need the fastest internet speed available. For smooth browsing and email access, a minimum speed of 5 Mbps is recommended. This will allow you to load web pages quickly and send/receive emails without any delays or buffering issues. With this speed, you can easily browse websites, check your inbox, and stay connected online without any interruptions.

Minimum Speeds for Smooth Browsing and Email Access

Understanding the basics of internet speed is crucial for ensuring smooth browsing and email access. Factors such as network congestion, device capabilities, and server performance can affect your overall browsing experience. It is recommended to have a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps for basic web browsing and email access. To test your current internet speed, you can use online tools like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com. Additionally, optimizing your browsing and email experience involves clearing your browser cache, minimizing the number of open tabs, disabling unnecessary browser extensions, and keeping your devices updated.

  • Network congestion
  • Device capabilities
  • Server performance
  • Minimum internet speed: 
  • 25 Mbps
  • Online tools for testing: 
  • Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com
  • Optimization tips: 
  • Clear browser cache; minimize open tabs; disable unnecessary extensions; keep devices updated

Internet Speed Requirements for Downloading Large Files

To download large files efficiently, you need a fast internet speed that can handle the data transfer. The minimum recommended speed for downloading large files is around 25 Mbps. However, for optimal performance and faster downloads, it is best to have an internet speed of at least 50 Mbps or higher. With a faster connection, you can avoid long wait times and complete your downloads in no time.

Factors Affecting Download Speeds for Large Files

Bandwidth limitations play a significant role in affecting download speeds for large files. If the available bandwidth is limited, it can result in slower download speeds as the data transfer rate is restricted. Additionally, server capacity and distance also impact download speeds as servers with higher capacities and closer proximity to the user tend to provide faster downloads. Furthermore, network congestion can cause delays in downloading large files due to increased traffic on the network resulting from high demand or peak usage periods. Considering these factors can help ensure faster internet speeds when downloading large files for a seamless user experience.

In conclusion, having a reliable and efficient internet connection is crucial for various online activities such as streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, browsing, email access, and downloading large files. By understanding the internet speed requirements for each of these activities, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable online experience.

For streaming, a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps is recommended for standard-definition content, while high-definition streaming requires at least 10 Mbps. Online gaming typically requires a minimum speed of 15-25 Mbps for optimal performance and minimal lag.

Video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams require a minimum internet speed of 1.5-2 Mbps for smooth video and audio quality. Browsing and email access can be done comfortably with a minimum speed of 25 Mbps.

When it comes to downloading large files, a minimum speed of 25 Mbps is recommended, but having a higher speed of 50 Mbps or more can ensure faster downloads and eliminate long wait times.

To determine your current internet speed, you can use online tools like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com. It's also important to consider factors such as network congestion, device capabilities, and server performance, as they can impact your overall internet experience.

If you're in the process of moving to a new home and need a reliable and efficient internet service provider, visit www.konecteaze.com. They can help you find the best internet options available in your area, ensuring that you have a seamless online experience in your new home

Find the lowest prices for internet deals in your area today!


What Is DSL internet? What are my internet options?

DSL internet is a digital subscriber line,and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable,satellite,and ... Read More

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What Is DSL internet?  What are my internet options?

Update February 10, 2020   02/10/2020:  

Since we published this article several years ago not much has changed.  DSL internet is still available and unfortunately the only option for many Americans who are simply looking for high speed internet for their homes. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink still offer DSL service.  Many customers are stranded looking for options to be able to stream their favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon amongst other sources.  Since the latest speed test done across the country show that DSL only has the ability to operate at a speed of 1Mbps or less, DSL is simply not an option for today's internet user.  

There is good news for folks who are either moving to a new area looking to set up service and find DSL is one of the only options or existing DSL customer from AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink who are simply not getting the speed, and service they are looking for.  Viasat Satellite internet service and HughesNet satellite internet service offer speeds almost 25x higher and give many customers a truly high speed internet option.  Check out to see if you have better options in your area by using our zip code lookup tool here Zip Code Lookup Tool



DSL internet is a digital subscriber line, and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable, satellite, and fiber optics, DSL is one of the four main types of connections used by internet service providers.

How Does DSL Internet Work?

Traditional phones lines are made of copper wires that carry analog signals. When you talk on a landline phone, the acoustics of your conversation are converted into analog signals that run along the phone wires. Similarly, these wires can also carry analog signals from computer to computer. However, you need a modem to convert the analog signals into digital signals. Finally, subscriber line simply refers to the fact that you subscribe or pay a monthly fee to access the line.

Can You Use the Phone With DSL?

In the early days of internet popularity, dial-up service also used phone lines to carry the internet into your home. With these old systems, however, you could not use the phone at the same time as the internet. With DSL, that has changed. The signal is split coming into your home, allowing you to access the internet and use your landline at the same time.

How Fast Is DSL Internet?

The telephone companies that offer DLS internet use digital subscriber line access multiplexers -- imagine a small building full of constantly buzzing equipment and servers. These multiplexers connect to a network to access data, and from there, the data is forwarded to individual subscribers. In most cases, to get DSL internet, you must be within a certain distance of the multiplexer, and generally, the closer you are the faster your internet service is. DSL speeds range from 128 kbps to 12 Mbps. However, in some cases, you can get DSL speeds up to 20 Mbps or even 40 Mbps — those speeds are typically only available in areas where the existing phone lines have been reinforced or bolstered with fiber optics.

Can You Bundle DSL Internet?

Generally, phone companies offer DSL. For example, AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon, and Frontier Communications all offer DSL internet as well as phone service. In most cases, if you want to have DSL and a landline, you have to get both services from the same company. However, discounts for booking multiple services is standard practice in the industry. Some DSL providers also pair with television, cell phone companies, and others to offer bundling discounts.

Where Is DSL Available?

DSL service is available around the county. However, it is not strictly available everywhere that has phone lines. As indicated above, the service can only work in areas where the phone company has invested in digital subscriber line access multiplexers and upgrading the phone lines as necessary. If DSL is offered in your area, you may want to consider it. Compare the price with other options, and then, make sure the potential internet speeds are up to your needs. For more on internet speeds, check out our post "What Internet Speed Do You Need?".


Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Two of the most popular internet options are satellite internet like HughesNet and Viasat or cable internet like Comcast Xfinity, Wow, Frontier, Spectrum and CenturyLink. We dig deep to find out which Internet Service Provider is best

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Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Updated: February 11, 2020

02/11/2020

We still get this question often and we wanted to update this article with the questions, myths and facts people still have or hear about cable vs satellite internet service.  For the purposes of this article we will be discussing the two major providers of satellite internet, HughesNet and Viasat as well as various cable providers which include but are not limited to companies like Spectrum, Comcast, Frontier, WOW cable, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink and WIndstream.  There are over 2700 internet service providers across the US all offering various speed, packages, prices, bundles and incentives.  We will try to help you determine which service is right for you.  


Two of the most popular internet options are satellite and cable internet. Both satellite and cable bring the internet into your home, but they complete this function in vastly different ways. Here's a look at the basics to help you decide which option is right for your needs.  

Cable Internet Versus Satellite: The Basics

Cable internet comes to your home through the same cables that you use to watch cable TV. In most cases, you can use the same provider for both cable TV and cable internet like Comcast, CenturyLink, spectrum, Wow cable, frontier and many others.  , You typically receive a discount for bundling both your new cable and tv services. Satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, in contrast, starts with a land-based internet connection. That sends signals to a satellite orbiting Earth, which in turn sends signals to your personal satellite dish. Finally, your personal satellite dish is connected to your home modem.  Satellite internet like the service HughesNet and Viasat provide give you the exact same product as far as internet is concerned.  The differences really boil down to speed price and availability.  If you are moving to a new home and looking for a new internet provider, the availability of a cable service like Spectrum, Comcast or CenturyLink really depends if they have put the high speed broadband internet infrastructure in your area to be able to offer you service.  

The Installation Process

Both satellite and cable internet require professional installation and a modem. The cable internet installer simply splices your existing cable and routes it to your modem.  Many times providers like Comcast ( their high speed broadband internet service is actually called Xfinity) and Spectrum (formerly known as Charter) offer self install in which there companies just send the modem to your home and you plug it in.  For the self install feature Comcast and Spectrum need to have been installed in the home previously.  The satellite internet installer has to put in a satellite dish, just as they do with satellite TV.  With both satellite and cable internet, you pay a monthly fee, and if you bundle the service with your TV service, you can often receive a discount.  With Satellite internet service like Viasat and HughesNet, they do not have a standalone TV service but partner with DirecTV and often offer incentives like $10 off of your HughesNet or Viasat bill for signing up for both services.   In both cases, you may be required to buy or rent a modem. However, with satellite internet, you may also have to foot the cost of buying or leasing the satellite dish.  Much of this depends on the offer at the time and your credit worthiness.  Many providers offer free standard installation when you qualify for their offer.  Typically standard instillation of TV, Phone and Internet Service can run as high as $99.  To check and see the current offers or to see if you qualify you can always call Konecteaze.com or call Call 888-376-0753


Reliability

Cable internet runs along cables and tends to be relatively reliable. However, if you live in an area where the cable TV goes in and out, you can expect similar performance issues with your internet. Additionally, if your neighbors receive their internet through the same cable, speed and reliability may be reduced when multiple people are on the internet at the same time. With satellite internet, in contrast, you don't share the signal with your neighbors. That keeps the signal strong during peak usage times. However, storms and sunspots can disrupt the transmission signal and lead to downtime.

Availability

Cable internet is only available in areas with cable TV. Satellite internet is available almost anywhere. In many areas, you can choose between these two options, but in rural areas, without cable, satellite may be the only option.  The best way to find out which internet service providers are available in your area as well as offers and speeds, use our handy zip look up tool on our home page Konecteaze.com and type in your zip code to see the latest offers.  

Speeds

Speeds can vary depending on the type of cables in your area. However, cable internet typically offers speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to over 1000 Mbps. Satellite internet is a bit slower with speeds ranging from 5 to 100 Mbps(. If both options are available in your area, your decision boils down to speed and cost. Check out a few companies in your area to see which options and packages are available. Don't forget however that in addition to these options, you should also check out DSL. This modern take on dial-up will be covered in an upcoming blog.