Whether your new to Usenet or a veteran, SABnzbd has something for everyone.  Those with a technical background will especially like the level of control you have when configuring the web-based Usenet browser.  While new users appreciate SABnzbd automatically downloading their chosen content.  In the end the reader has something for just about everyone.  Visit sabnzbd.org to download the latest 0.6.15 final release.  Those who want the latest features and don’t mind the trial and error of testing can check out their beta releases.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Here’s a list of the items that come with the Xbox 360 250 GB console:

• Xbox 360 250 GB S console
• 250 GB removable hard drive
• Xbox 360 headset
• Wireless headset
• Composite A/V cable
• One-year limited warranty
• One-month Xbox Live Gold membership

Those interested in Kinnect will end up paying $149 for the addition.  We looked to see if bundles were less but the Xbox 360 250 GB with Kinnect is priced at $399.99.  Meaning whether you buy in bundle or separate the price is the same.  You might keep an eye on vendors like Amazon and Best Buy for special offers.

Update: Amazon is offering the Kinnect sensor with Kinnect Adventures game for $136.99.  A better price that that offered directly from Microsoft.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest tech deals.

While we prefer lower priced accounts, the Giganews Diamond plan includes more than just Usenet access.  Diamond members get unlimited newsgroup downloads along with their Usenet browser (Mimo), personal VPN (VyprVPN) and 30 GB of online storage (Dump Truck).  Giganews supports 1,380 days of binary retention along with 50 connections and 256-bit SSL encryption.  Along with a Usenet search engine inside Mimo.

In addition Giganews recently released a Control Panel App for Android.  Those with Android devices can download the new app free.  With it you can view your current and past usage and disconnect VyprVPN connections remotely.  A pretty cool feature.  The app will also help you stay informed on the latest news and contact support if needed.  You can download the new app directly from the Giganews control panel app page.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

NewsgroupDirect’s Usenet blocks are an excellent choice for a backup or fill account.  At 1 TB some users can use the block as their primary for several months.  At 4 cents a gig the price is a great value.  The block is also non-expiring so you can download until the 1 TB is all used up.  NGD members enjoy high retention along with 50 SSL connections.  Sign up before 12 AM EST through the NGD Terabyte Tuesday page and enjoy!

Visit NewsgroupReviews to learn more about newsgroups.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

So what makes Usegrab unique?  Maybe not one-of-a-kind unique but allowing web-based Usenet downloads is a specialty.  A niche with only a handful of services that has been evolving over the last several months.

Usegrab Review

Let’s first take a look at how Usegrab works and then compare them to the other web-based NZB download services.  As mentioned above Usegrab is currently in beta.  Allowing users the chance to test the web interface and download Usenet content free of charge.  As with most free offerings there are some limitations.

Here are some specific details of the Usegrab beta test:

• Free web Usenet access – NZB downloader
• Supports 1,300 days of binary retention
• Allows you to stream video content
• Download speed capped at 5 mbps
• File size for downloads capped at 5 GB
• NZB files can not be larger than 3 MB
• Downloads are kept on the server 24-48 hours

Now that you know what to expect from Usegrab we’ll dive into our experience testing their web interface.  You can visit usegrab.com to enjoy the same level of access we had for this review.

Step #1 – Find an NZB File

To search for NZB files on Usegrab just click the “Find an NZB” tab and search for your topic of interest.  You can also use sites like Binsearch to find newsgroup content.  Having a built-in engine is a convenience we enjoy from Usenet clients like Newshosting and Newbin Pro but we still use a variety of sources to find NZB files.

We hopped over to Nzbmatrix and grabbed an NZB for Ubuntu 8.10 to get something a little bit older.  That way we could test the retention of Usegrab as well as the interface and other features. With the NZB file saved we headed over to Usegrab.com and clicked the “Choose an NZB” button.  After selecting our Ubuntu NZB the Usegrab interface took over.  Presenting the following screen while processing our request.

After about a minute we were presented with another screen explaining a delay in processing our request.  In our case the delay was short.  Less than 45 seconds.  The screen also gave some other useful information.  When downloading video content from Usegrab you can choose to have it stream.  When streaming video you can expect a 5 to 15 minute delay to allow time to convert the video.  Likely a very popular feature of Usegrab.

Step #2 – Download Usenet Content

After the NZB file was processed Usegrab presented a screen to donload the associated Ubuntu files.

Usegrab presented us with file info along with download size and other useful details.  They even provide a “share URL” you can use to access the content.  Along with the time the file will be available.  Our Ubuntu request was saved to be downloaded in the next 24 hours.  Rather than wait we went ahead and downloaded the 700 MB zipped Ubuntu distro from Usegrab.  The download took 24 minutes to complete.

Conclusion

We enjoyed testing Usegrab.  Their web interface has a clean design that is easy to use.  The beta test limits didn’t come into play for us testing our Ubuntu download.  Other than the 5 mbps speed cap which was fine for testing.  We didn’t run into any issues and would definitely recommend the free beta test to others.

What comes next for Usegrab?  We understand they will be adding premium accounts to the lineup.  Allowing for faster downloads, RSS feeds and longer retention of downloaded files.  We look forward to checking out their premium plans and will bring you more details once released.  For now give their beta test a try.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare web Usenet access and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Here’s a list of the new features in NL version 5 beta 13 directly from their version history page:

NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 13
Release Date: 2012-05-07 17:34:24

+: Redesigned bookmarks navigation and GUI on the Explorer Tab,
so it flows better with the rest of the application design.
+: We’ve added a new (fifth) option to the ‘Compacting’ feature.
The feature can be accessed by clicking the ‘Compacting’ button
in the lower right corner of the NewsLeecher main window.
+: Reintroduced support for “descript.ion” files. The feature
can be enabled from:
Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> Download Descript.ion File…
+: The SuperSearch ‘Watchdog’ state and the SupeSearch max days
/ category settings are now saved between sessions.
*: Smaller improvements. Added a ‘Open Folder in Windows Explorer
button to the NewsLeecher Explorer Toolbar and relocated the
SuperSearch ‘Search’ button to the right side of the search
input box.
!: Found and fixed one more small memory leak. NewsLeecher should
be close to 100% memory leak free now.
!: Fixed a couple of smaller bugs in the selection logic used
in the ‘Groups Navigation Panel’.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Before we get started I’d like to explain what we mean by web-based nzb downloaders.  Otherwise there will be some readers that wonder why we didn’t include full featured web Usenet services like Easynews or even web browser clients like SABnzbd.  We highly recommend both options but this post is meant specifically for the new services that offer simple online interfaces for downloading nzb related content.  No more, no less.

NzbLord Web-Based NZB Downloader

NzbLord is the first web-based nzb downloader we had a chance to test last year.  At first we weren’t sure as our mindset of a web interface was Easynews which has a lot more features.  Yet as we continued to test NzbLord the service grew on us.  Specifically the ease of use.  You can use the NzbLord site to search their built-in FindNZB search engine or any nzb site you choose.  From there you can enter the nzb’s URL into NzbLord, upload the file or even paste the nzb file contents into their site.  NzbLord will take over from there.  Grabbing the content and then letting you download the resulting files.  Visit NzbLord.com to learn more about the service.

NzbLord offers six accounts but we would recommend looking at their top three plans based on max files sizes and speed caps.  Their unlimited plans (Driver, Aviator and Astronaut) all include unlimited traffic.  With terms ranging from one to three months.  Along with different zip / nzb file size limits and speed caps.  Those use to NNTP Usenet downloads might even find their top account slow at 15 Mbps.  It really depends on your connection.  If you have a 50 Mbps Internet pipe then you may prefer an NNTP service like Newshosting.

NzbLeecher Web-Based NZB Downloader

The NzbLeecher service is very similar to NzbLord.  They both perform the same functions.  The difference comes in speed and binary retention.  As NzbLeecher has a higher number at 1,350 days of binaries.  They don’t have a built-in Usenet search engine but you can use favorites like Binsearch, Nzbmatrix, Mysterbin, etc. to find content.  Then paste the URL or upload the nzb file to the NzbLeecher site.  Then you can sit back and watch NzbLeecher do all the work.  Downloading your content at speeds up to 50 Mbps depending on which plan you select.  NzbLeecher will also store your files for a specified amount of time.  A nice backup solution.

NzbLeecher offers three Usenet accounts.  Each offers unlimited data transfer.  The difference comes in nzb file size limits, performance (15 Mbps up to 50 Mbps) and the time period NzbLeecher retains your downloads.  With prices ranging from $9.99 a month up to $29.99 a month depending on your preferences.  Visit NzbLeecher.com to learn more.  They also offer 500 MB of downloads for free.  A nice way to test the interface.

NzbLoad Web-Base NZB Downloader

NzbLoad is the latest web-based provider to launch.  The service is currently in beta.  With NzbLoad the process is very much the same as NzbLord and NzbLeecher.  You either choose an NZB file from your computer or paste in the URL to load it into their web interface.  From there NzbLoad will grab your files and you can download the resulting content to your system once finished.  The service offers speeds up to 20 Mbps and 900 days of binary retention.  NzbLoad supports multiple downloads and allows you to pause and resume downloads.

NzbLoad offers three Usenet accounts.  The only difference is term for each plan.  With the terms ranging from two days for €4.95 up to a month for €9.95 and finally three months of service for €24.95.  Regardless of which plan you choose the features are the same including unlimited transfer at speeds up to 20 Mbps.  Visit NzbLoad.com for more details and to sign up for their Usenet service.

Conclusion

We appreciate the ease of use that each of the three services offer.  Regardless of which you choose they all offer nzb downloads without the need for a Usenet client.  There is almost no learning curve if you already know how to search for newsgroup content.  As for future opportunities we still prefer the full-featured interface of Easynews.  Yet that might no be the target market for these services.  The only real drawback is that none of the three services support SSL so you might want to compare VPN services if you prefer encrypted downloads.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about web Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

If your Usenet provider offers secure online storage then by all means take advantage of that first.  Some might also consider backing up their content to Usenet.  While that is certainly an option we prefer these solutions.  As they allow you to store your Usenet downloads and personal files securely without having to post them.

Free online storage offered by Usenet providers:

• NewsDemon – 30 GB storage with Usenet and newsreader for $9.99 a month
• NewsgroupDirect – 30 GB storage with Usenet and client for $16 a month
• Giganews – 30 GB storage with Usenet, client and VPN for $34.99 a month

Those using other Usenet services can look elsewhere for online storage.  As several well known vendors offer free space to backup your files online.  Offering the advantage of safely storing your Usenet downloads along with access from anywhere and in many cases the ability to publicly or privately share your files.

Here are several online backup services that offer free storage.  Listed in alphabetical order:

• Amazon Cloud Drive – 5 GB free
  
• Apple iCloud – 5 GB free
• Box – 5 GB free
• Dropbox – 2 GB free
• Google Drive – 5 GB free
• IDrive – 5 GB free
• LiveKive – 5 GB free
• Microsoft SkyDrive- 7 GB free
• Mozy – 2 GB free
• SpiderOak – 2 GB free
• SugarSync – 5 GB free
• Syncplicity – 2 GB free

We could list more free storage offers but these are some good options to get you started.  Please let us know if we missed any of your favorite services.  Otherwise you can grab around 50 GB of online space from those listed above.  The free storage amounts listed are baseline.  Several offer promotions for more free space.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Binary retention is always a popular factor that users consider when comparing newsgroup providers.  Usenet fans that have been around for years understand just how far the industry has come.  In years past the gap was at times wide but now several popular services have pushed the envelope and continue to grow retention each and every day.  Bringing factors like price, add-on features, speed, reliability and support into the spotlight.

For around $10 a month (or $8 a month paid yearly) you can enjoy the benefit of high retention, speed and reliability offered by leading newsgroup services.  Along with free add-on features like Usenet clients, search engines, online storage and personal VPN access.  See our Usenet packages section for more details.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Including hands-on reviews of leading providers, guides, free trials and special offers.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest Usenet news.

NewsgroupDirect is running a surprise promotion this weekend.  With deep discounts on 500 GB block accounts.  This weekend only you can purchase a 500 GB non-expiring Usenet block for just $20.  That’s a $30 (60%) savings off the normal $50 price.  This is the best deal we’ve seen on 500 GB block plans from any provider.  Visit the NewsgroupDirect 500 GB sale page this weekend to enjoy the savings.

The NewsgroupDirect April weekend block sale is an excellent offer on a half a terabyte of Usenet downloads.  At just 4 cents a gig for the 500 GB block.  The account is great for primary Usenet downloads, fills or as a backup server.  We encourage you to check out this deal and share it with friends this weekend.  We’re fans of the NewsgroupDirect service and highly recommend them to anyone interest in accessing newsgroups.  Remember to visit the NewsgroupDirect 500 GB sale page this weekend to take advantage of the savings.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest specials.