Sk880user: Yes, I think moving everything (sounds, styles, sequencer, etc) currently inside the arranger keyboard (except the black/white keys, mod wheels, & essential arranger function buttons) to a laptop is the way to go. Without the internal software/hardware components, the keyboard itself (basically just a keyboard controller now) could be kept VERY light: under 10 lbs. On top of this, the GREATLY increased software power (via a lightweight 5-7 lb laptop with a high capacity fast hard drive) would mean better quality sounds, styles, and greatly improved sequencer note resoultion and features.

The technology to do this is HERE TODAY, but are keyboard manufacterers willing to risk losing their currently big ticket hardware arranger keyboard sales? Going the software route (via laptop), we would be able to get essentially a new keyboard via software upgrade alone. Software synths (Native Instruments "B4" and Emagic's "EVP88 Piano"), arranger type programs (Band In A box, Jammer Pro, and high end midi/audio sequencers & sound editors (Cakewalk Sonar, Cubase, and Logic Audio) are already here, so integrating these technologies into a SINGLE software program (to include all arranger keyboard type functions) seems like a next logical step. I'm waiting !