Kevin --
I'll let the technical folks answer the nic questions. Looking into the future, computers will have the necessary connections built in so they won't be needed. I'll let the pros handle the bottleneck questions, too.
As for modem options, USWest and other phone cos, ISPs, and so on, will probably deal with one supplier and that will mean you can have it in any color as long as it's black. Costs won't stay static. As competition heats up, you'll see them come down. I don't know where you're located, but if there's an ISP offering ADSL, then USWest isn't your only choice.
I'm not sure the first rollouts are rushed, but it's not surprising those handling customers aren't fully up to speed with information. You're far too knowledgeable for 99% of them, I'm sure. I've found it takes about 3 questions to stop them in their tracks. Hmmmm, I can hear them saying, this person has more questions than I have answers. . . It probably wouldn't hurt to leave them a list of queries and let them get back with answers later.
For comparisons, check out GTE and PacBell's websites. I think you'll find prices and requirements listed.
Good luck. :)
Pat |
