[Blue_Autumn_Sky]

After spending several days browsing this site and reading at the library I've decided that I want to adopt a pair of guinea pigs into my home. I've fallen in love with their sweet personalities, not to mention their adorable rounded brick shapes and fuzzy selves. However I live with my parents and younger brothers, so I want to be absolutely positively sure that guinea pigs are right for my family. Also, my future piggies will be with me when I start college (it's close by so I won't be moving into a dorm or anything) and hopefully after I graduate too. I'd hate for the poor pigs not to get the love and attention they deserve because I've discoverd too late that they're not right for me. (just typing the idea makes me depressed, but i have to admit that it can happen)
Anyway, rambling aside, here are my questions:What is the smell like?
If anyone out there has had multiple pets, how would you rate the guinea pigs? I've had most of the rodent family as pets before and I'd clean cages once a week for most of them. I'm curious if 2 guinea pig generally smell better or worse than 2 rats (or gerbils or rabbits or whatever you've had experience with) My mother is especially interested as she would rather have a rabbit if the smell is about the same.
How does fleece bedding compare to other bedding?
I understand that fleece would be cheaper, but cost aside how does it compare in terms of ease of cleaning or smell. (big concern of the family if you can't already tell)
What differences have you noticed between male and female guinea pigs?
Are there personality differences, or is the main difference size and smell? How big is the difference between them smell-wise?
And lastly, if I had a really busy day once in a blue moon and found that I hadn't spent time with the piggies other than the daily feedings and spot cleanings would they fall into a deep dark depression or would they be alright?
This had happened when I had a single rat (his buddy died), if I didn't play with him everyday he'd be horribly upset, and I'd hate for this to happen to my guinea pigs.
Thank you for helping me make a responsible decision, and for tolerating my horribly long questions.