With an MSRP of $3400, and MAP of $2700, this is closer to the G70's price range (especially now it's sold through MI division stores).

The E80. we were told, will be in the $4500 MSRP range, probably with a MAP of $3700 or upwards.

So, no real direct Roland comparison (and Rolands are SO overpriced since they went CK Division). But it seems to offer good value at it's price point, somewhat more than an E60, but way less than an E80, and the sampler is very good, especially compared to T2's rather closed system. Akai compatibility is HUGE if you want a good, inexpensive choice of sampler libraries (but still no USB2, so it will load slowly....).

Korg's are definitely the arranger of choice if you want to do anything remotely contemporary (hiphop and urban styles), and the easy to use sampler will make it a real challenge to the T2 if a sampler is an essential thing to have. Plus, is it just me, or is the piano demo on the PA800 site the first Korg piano sound I actually like? Sounded really full and warm to me, a first for Korg arrangers (and keyboards pre-Oasys)!