Actiontec DSL modem GT701D

I was upgrading my internet service (Frontier Communication) from a crawling speed of 256kbps to 3Mbps recently, the ISP had a promotion going on for $29.99/mo the same price as before (how can I resist?).

So I went ahead and did the upgrade. Meanwhile they sent me a Siemens SE567 wireless DSL modem with the speed upgrade along came the $4.50 monthly rental fee.

As a savvy consumer (like to think I am one) I went shopping online for a replacement. I looked at amazon.com, dslreports.com for advise and finally settle on two brands D-link and Actiontec.

After further reading of the reviews, decided on the Actiontec for its price and size. Amazon.com was asking for $50 with free shipping, I found a better deal from bhphotovideo.com for $41 with free 3 day shipping.

I finally received it today. After a quick reading of the manual, it was up and running in less than 10 minutes. I was expecting having to do some manual configuration, but I didn't have to, the automatic configuration option took care of it all. All I had to supply was the user id and password.


The process was a lot easier then I have expected. I would definitely recommend this product to others.

7/23/2012

This week I m getting internet service from Comcast, so long Frontier !

As of today I am selling this DSL modem in perfect working condition, comes with power cord and quick starting guide.  $25

Dell Inspiron 8200

This laptop was purchased in January, 2003.

It was configured with a Pentium 4m running at 1.8 Ghz with 32MB NVIDIA GeForce 440 Go graphic card. 15' UXGA 1600x1200 LCD display with 256 MB memory 40 Gig drive and wireless B network card. DVD drive with CD burner

I have since upgraded the memory to 2GB although the owners manual indicated the maximum memory is 1 GB. The hard drive crashed a few years ago so I had upgraded to a 100 GB drive. Also purchased an intel wireless G mini PCI card to upgrade from ebay.

It has been almost 8 years, and it has served me very well.

9/18/2011

One of the hinges holding the monitor in place had broke off today.  Hopefully I am able to weld this back together.  I would hate to see this little piece render this computer useless.

9/19/2011

Order a replacement part on eBay part number 740KU for $11 with free shipping.

Part arrived on 9/23.  The next day I spend about 1 hr disassemble and reassemble the screen together.  Everything is straight forward.  The only tool needed was a small Philip screw driver.  I would imagine if sent to a computer shop, it would cost at least $100.  I am glad I just breath in a little more life into an 8 year old computer.

1990 Mazda B2200 SE-5 cab plus

I sold the 92 regular cab for $1300 and bought a 1990 cab plus for $1400. This 1990 cab plus comes with bucket seats, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Not a bad deal at all.

So far this truck averages about 27 mpg. To date I have changed alternator, thermostat, install CD player, ignition rotor and cap.

EFI engine for trouble free operation and better fuel mileage than carburetor engine.

December 2010, one day driving home out of nowhere the engine started running very rough.  After a tow, and 2h of diagnostic time, it was determine the ECU was at fault.  The capacitor leaks chemicals over time and corroded the circuit board.  Two of the fuel injectors weren't firing.  After a two weeks ordeal being the holiday season and shipping delay, total cost about $600.

As of August 2011, odometer reading is at 270K miles and running strong.

March 19, 2012 as I arrived at work, the engine all the sudden starting running very rough.  After work I was checking out the truck, the engine was vibrating and white smoke was coming out of the tail pipe.  I just happened to look under the truck and saw coolant leaking out under the truck by the catalytic converter.  I immediately shut off the engine and figure the worst.  Blown engine ? Broken heater core ? Head gasket ?

It turned out I had a blown head gasket with a crack head.  The coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. Took about 2 weeks from the time this happened, to the time I got the truck back.  I end up getting a re-manufactured head to replace my old one.  Total damage,  around $1300.  I was debating weather to fix it of dump it.  I have grew attach to this truck already and besides, Still cannot get a decent vehicle for this amount of money. 

As of today 4-5-2012, the truck has over 282K miles and I planned to keep driving this for as long as I possibly can.

November 8. 2012

Obama just won re-election.  Truck has 294K+ on the clock, approaching the magical 300K mark.

December 31, 2012

Slowly but surely approaching the 300K milestone.  Happy New Year everyone !

January 17 2012

Check engine light came on about 1 week ago.  Upon reading up online there are two scenarios.  For vehicles manufactured for outside California, it is just a service reminder light that comes on regular intervals.  It can be switch off by flipping a jump switch under the driver side dash.  I looked under and didn't see anything close to it.

Since I live in CA, there is no jumper switch for the light.  Instead there is a green 1  pin terminal on the passenger side engine bay just in front of the fuel pump. Ground it to the neg battery terminal and turn key on to ON without starting and read the flashes on the check engine light.

To Be Continue.