Avoid AOL if you can.

They are the 'cheap and cheerful (or not)' end of the market.

They have their own networks and protocols which don't always interact properly with everyone else.

Two things to consider:

Very few people in the IT industry use AOL
Why do they have to give away a laptop (or other freebies) to get you to sign up?

I am an IT contractor and have used a number of suppliers. My experience so far is that if you want a stable, reliable, fast service then BT (yeh I know) is one of the best. I know their admin is terrible and there are issues about delayed installation dates etc. but once the service is running it is solid.

Just remember that it is them who run the cables to your house, so guess who is going to get the priority service on it.