As you probably recall I'm one of the diehards who uses a dial up
internet connection with 7.10.
I have been thinking of trying 8.10 but thought it would be best to
wait and see what the Ubuntu geniuses, such as yourself ;) had to say
about 8.10
I would be VERY interested to hear if you are making progress
configuring your modem cos I'm in the same boat as you.