I do not know anything about dial up, how fast it works, if subscription versus downloads are better. Sorry. One thing you may be able to do though is most places will give you a 30 day trial (I think). May want to take that and try it first, especially before signing up for any long term things.
BUT the reason I am replying - I do not believe the iAudio U2 supports subscription based music. I know it does not on Rhapsody
http://music.guide.real.com/rhapsodydevices?rnd=1141338663669&bw=411&has-player=false
Unfortunatly, I'm still stuck in the dial-up era, and I need an mp3. After reading alot about mp3s and their capability, I think that downloading on my computer will probabily be the wrong choice versus going subscription (because of dial-up), but I haven't gotten a true anwser about subcribing. Does subscription work the same as downloading?. I'm on the verge of buying a Cowon iAudio u2. Does anybody know if this mp3 support subscription? If so what is the best site?
Dial-ups users, please,
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic