New apartment, need Int. opinions

This is aimed at those of you in Northern VA, preferably in or around Fairfax, although anyone who can add their two cents is more than welcome to.

I moved into an apartment in the 22033 zip code, 703 area code (Summit Fair Lakes, if anyone else is there) within the past few weeks and have been researching broadband. We've been using Verizon DSL at my house prior to the move for two or three years now and I've loved it, no problems except for having to reboot the modem/router every couple weeks.

But from what it looks like, Cox cable internet is really the only viable option at Summit. When I was setting up my phone service Verizon told me DSL was available but when I called to set up today, I was told that there must've been some mistake because it wasn't available. That was frustrating. Other options are satellite and SpeakEasy IDSL. I don't know anything about the first (it sounds expensive) and SpeakEasy's IDSL is over $100/month! For me, who's going to be taking on the full payment for internet at the apartment, that's just too much to swallow per month. Dial-up is also out of the question... With DSL at the other house and DSL at work, going home to dial-up is unbearable. Between my roommates and I, this connection at the apartment will be used for regular Internet browsing, some gaming, downloading, etc. so we a need a good one.

So unless anyone else is living in Summit and knows of another option, or has some other ifo for me, it looks like we'll have to go with Cox cable. My question is, are there any people that have had a GOOD experience with Cox in Fairfax or Northern VA and can help alleviate some of my fears? I've read plenty of reviews and info on Cox (at broadbandreports and elsewhere) and the majority seems to be negative... But seeing as how it's the only option I know that's realistic, I'm in a tough spot.

Any and all help in this matter would be great!

Thanks,
m19

 

(EDIT-) Weird, it posted my reply in the wrong place..

m19

 

Thanks for the reply mike. Unfortunately being in Northern VA pretty much precludes any possibility of ever being in a "light neighborhood," but since it's between Cox and satellite we're going to go with Cox.

m19

 

Hi Morgan, I have had COX service in CT for over a year now and I am very satisfied. For home use--Cox is the way to go. For businesses DSL or ISDN is the way to go. I have not heard good things about the satelitte and is only the best option if no cable is available. The prices for COX have went up a little around around here--about 48 a month. I have had very few internet outages in the area and Cox support has been very good to me when there is a problem. They actually value your business. The speed is very fast. It will be slowed a little if you are in a crowded neigbor hood and everyone decides to be on the Net at the same time. I have a light neiborhood and never had a problem with speed. I have only had to reboot the router a few times in a year. I have found that COX's speed outperforms DSL on every level. and like I said the outages have been very few--so my opinion--Cox is your best bet--