Not sure if this is correct but I've always likened USB to a software modem - all the processing is done by the CPU and not by the modem, which is basically just a PCB with a hole to plug the cable into. This introduces variances in performance that are dependant on a huge number of factors, including the CPU, motherboard, BIOS and software installed.
When I suggested the idea I had in mind that it would be entirely optional. There's no way I would expect (or allow
) an engineer to install the card - that would mean NTL staff interfering with a user's PC, which opens up all sorts of liability issues. I hear what people are saying about not having the skill or a person with the skill, but I honestly think most people these days have either the skill or access to the skill. They could always try PC World
Like I said, some of the commoner questions on this forum relate to switching from USB to Ethernet, which might indicate that once a user is made aware of Ethernet and hears, either via word of mouth or from the Internet, that it's better than USB, they may want to make the switch and see for themselves.
It would be useful to conduct a survey to see if USB really is PnP, or whether, as many seem to experience, Ethernet is more problem free.