After two weeks, probably 100 hours and maybe 60-80 extensive host investigations, I've narrowed my search down to the five hosts below. My budget AND resource demands are modest to start, but I do want a dedicated IP and a low cost (all these have plans between about $50 and $100 per YEAR).

The 3 leading candidates:

http://www.integrahosting.net
http://sterlet.net
http://www.primenethosting.com


Also possible tho they are less investigated and perhaps a little over-the-top on promises:

http://www.alwayswebhosting.com (tho they don't do dedicated IP)
http://www.1feehosting.com

Without a doubt the most difficult thing in this exhausting search has been getting reliable reviews and testimonials, positive and/or negative, and of course that's where I'm seeking your help!

Any and all feedback on any of the above hosts would be GREATLY appreciated. I don't have to make a decision for about a week, so I'm hoping we can keep this alive for a few days to give people plenty of time to see the thread, respond and discuss.

And while I'm pretty darned tired of this search, if somebody knows somebody I've missed that I should REALLY take a look at, by all means let me know -- and I mean CLIENT recommendations, NOT hosts!!! I know all you hosts mean well with your positive self-reviews, but I'm at the point where I need objective, real-world feedback from customers. I'm looking for 100-500 MB, 2+ GB, dedicated IP hosting, with the standard feature list, including the ability to have multiple, independently managed domains or subdomains. Honest, reliable, friendly and flexible hosting is all important.

Thanks a million.
-lateron

Originally posted by lateron
After two weeks, probably 100 hours and maybe 60-80 extensive host investigations, I've narrowed my search down to the five hosts below. My budget AND resource demands are modest to start, but I do want a dedicated IP and a low cost (all these have plans between about $50 and $100 per YEAR).


Err... how much is your time worth? Isn't it a bit silly to spend 100 hours deciding how to spent $50-100?

Believe me, it's a question I've asked myself as well. Probably just my compulsive nature. But it's also because I want to find a reliable host and my budget is my budget, know what I mean? No amount of time or money makes up for a bad host.

Anyway, compulsive or silly tho I may have been, I hope some of you will still help me reach a successful conclusion!

Thanks,
lateron

Oh yeah, and I've learned an awful lot that will help me develop my site as well, so I definitely don't feel like it's been a waste. What can I say, I'm a net addict.

Why do you require a static ip?

It isn't the money at all ... it's the time and frustration of picking the wrong host.

Ok, so you're out $50, but what about the time you spend trying to get support, make things work and the frustration of having to move the site, etc.

If more people would research their hosting decisions we wouldn't have so many complaining emails.

But there are many hosts discussed here every day with excellent reputations. Can't address the hosts you mentioned because, frankly, although very active in this business, I have never heard of them.

Why do you require a static ip?

for anon FTP and the good ol american desire to own real estate! It just feels better to know where my stuff is, have consistent performance, etc.

In response to Incognito, yes, I realize there are good hosts with excellent reputations, but like I said, my budget is my budget. I would go with Futurequest in a heartbeat if I could afford them. If you care to mention a couple in my price range ($50-$100/YEAR), dedicated IP, 200MB or so, please do!
Thanks
-lateron

Out of those three choices I would say Integra.

I guess I was a little too windy the first time, as I haven't had much response. So let me simply ask:

Does anybody have experience with or feedback on any of these hosts I'm considering:

http://www.integrahosting.net
http://sterlet.net
http://www.primenethosting.com
http://www.alwayswebhosting.com (tho they don't do dedicated IP)
http://www.1feehosting.com

Muchas gracias,
lateron