[[A3D]Hatswitch]

1) With some exceptions, DSL is generally better for gaming (lower pings), especially if you have SDSL (which is not cheap). At my last place, I had IDSL (144k), which is the slowest form if DSL (and the last resort if you live more than 18,000 feet from the central office, which was my case), but my game pings were commonly under 30 ms.

2) DSL is always almost better for any server-type applications, such as FTP, web, and game servers. The upstream is usually higher than that of cable (though there are exceptions).

3) Cable is shared with other users on your node. DSL isn't shared until it hits your ISP's backbone. For this reason, cable's speeds can vary widely during different parts of the day, while DSL stays consistent.

4) Cable generally has the better cost/performance ratio. If you mainly download files and occasionally play games, this is the better choice.

What do I have now? Cable. My CO doesn't even support DSL yet (it's too new), and even if it did, the higher cost of DSL wouldn't be worth it to me now. I get digital cable, analog cable, 12 HBO's, and cable modem for $80/month.

If you really want DSL, I recommend you try Speakeasy (I had them at my last place), which is probably the best DSL provider. Regargless, look at where you live and where the DSL's closest POP (point of presence) is. If it's close to you, then you'll get nice low pings. If the closest POP is 2,000 miles away, don't waste your money (if game pings are what you want). If you really have the bucks, and you're into server-type stuff, get a 1.5 Mb SDSL line.