| i have no real experience with applescript, but why not just try to ping the server you're accessing, if it succeeds, go ahead using the try/error/end method mentioned above. then if the OTHER machine is down, or your net(work) connection is broken/slow/cut off from that server, it wont go nuts.
__________________
PowerMac G5 Dual 2.0Ghz | 1Gb | 250Gb | Bluetooth | NVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 256Mb | 20" Cinema Display | MX1000 Wireless Laser Mouse | OS X 10.3.9
PowerMac G4 400Mhz | 832Mb | 40Gb + 120Gb | OS X Server 10.3.8 - Web Dev, Proxy, Mail, NAT, Firewall, Backup
Netgear Gigabit Switch | Sony Ericsson P910i Smartphone | iPod Colour 60Gb |