My download speed and a question about headsets

So I have a 15Mb connection, that estimates to around 1.5mb/s download speed. For some reason, I NEVER get more than 100kb/s for ANYTHING that I download. These days, it's been nothing but 10kb/s. I don't know if it's traffic, but even local (singapore) files are slow for me. I don't think it's traffic since I get 1.2mb/s using download managers, wherever I download; Megaupload, Local files etc. Anyone know a possible cause and/or solution to this?

About my question on headsets, for a PC, which would be better? A USB headset or a normal 3.5mm Headset, and why?

 

It seems like, but I was downloading at 1mb with the default firefox downloader back when I first got it for local sites, and around 100/200kb/s for other websites. But now it's decreased dramatically.

 

Does your Internet Service Provider put bandwidth limits on you? Maybe a monthly data limit and it begins slowing you down? How long have you noticed the "issue"?

 

I have unlimited something, according to my data plan. There's nothing wrong with loading websites, it's mostly the download speeds. I'm also not downloading any torrents right now. I got the plan in November '09, and I noticed it changing around November '10.

 

You never download on the high end of the spectrum.
I was lucky at one time to have a dedicated T1 connection.
Now I have your standard 100mbs cable modem, but you have to account for the high and low ebbs mind you.

I download around 65-80kbs a second. Sometimes it spikes and I get up to 100. Sometimes, depending on the site I am on(their server, not mine) I can get up to 500-600kbs.

I tested my speeds at different times of the day, for me 3PM to 5PM EST, allowed me the fastest times to download.
It's not always your end that is the issue, your max download speed is still affected by the servers max and minimum transfer speeds, thus why people use torrents over normal P2P transfers or fileshare programs such as Media fire/MegaUpload, ect.
As far as the headset goes, it's your preference that matters. I lean to the USB's though, as I've gone through at least four of the 3.5 headsets. Once the filaments(copper wiring) ends up frayed or overstretched, the set is dead, no coming back to life. My USB one too an ass kicking but is still around. Plus the USB plug(in my case I mean) didn't suffer from that twist and turn syndrome that the 3.5 one did.
All in all it depends on what you're gonna do chief.

 

I certainly don't expect myself to get 1.8mb/s. I was hoping for something like 500kb/s+. I've tested this on several different websites as I've said before, all in certain times of the day when there's low traffic. As for the headsets, I'll take your advice. I was thinking of getting another pair of Razer Morays (lasted me 2 years), but I think I'll get one of those bigger sized ones.