Hi Chris. My knowledge of the 721, or should I say what E* was planning as another internet capable satellite receiver goes back a ways(early 2000) to when I was still talking to people within E*.
To their credit they never revealed a model number or a release date except to say that a unit using other than MS software was coming. Much of the rest of the information has come from the very same sources everyone has seen or heard.
I did raise the question over whether or not they would be using a technology similar to ReplayTV's in order to share programming in a rather <ahem> heated discussion about the 721s connectivity issues in the other group.
Here's the thing. It has been mentioned on at least two occasions that the 721 would provide dial-up access in addition to broadband. Those who visited the trade show and saw the unit confirmed that as well. A VP stated during a chat that the 721 "would not work well" with dial-up. Now we have a guy at dbsforums.com stating that a CSR told him it would be broadband only.
I question that on a number of levels.
First it would be a complete departure from what has been said and seen.
Second the VP didn't say that it would not have dial-up connectivity.
Thirdly we're talking about information coming from a CSR.
So I question what part of the 721 won't work well via dial-up. It can't be the browser as that's just ludicrous. It has to be in the context of uploading, downloading, multimedia play, or sharing programming.
Uploading isn't so much an issue because it can be done quite easily via dial-up. The only time uploading would be an issue is if the file size was extremely large. That wouldn't be an issue unless we are talking about programming.
Downloading isn't an issue via dial-up either unless we are talking the ability to download music or programming...again file sizes too large or inconvenient for dial-up.
Multimedia is of course always better via broadband than dial-up. Be it audio or video it is the optimal connection.
The only other thing I can think of is that E* wants to give a serious push to its satellite broadband solution. I personally feel it too be too expensive up front, too expensive in terms of monthly fees, and that it underperforms as compared to DSL or cable in terms of price vs performance.
Aside from that I see a huge push by E*, especially with this merger, to hit the urban areas like never before. Starband simply can't compete in the urban arena.
If E* is going to share programming between boxes it is the best kept secret in satellite

Still this latest rumor about no dial-up coupled with the comments of a VP have to make one wonder exactly what the deal is because their comments just don't wash when it comes to surfing the net. J