Yes, it does not compare, the former is a keyboard/music workstation with a well thought out integrated enviroment while the latter is a Windows PC in a Keyboard case.



But for that price you get basically a PC in an empty, keyboard case without internal display dedicated buttons (for arranger, soundselection, arranger, player/sequencer etc).
Without MIDI chips. Who is going to provide high quality General Midi playback ?
All in software ? What high quality GM/GS midi playback engine do you ship with the keyboard, How much does it cost, how good does it sound ?
(I'm talking about the $3000 version, because your post sounds like the $3000 Neko will be better than the $5000 Mediastation)
What does "Bundled Software and Sounds" mean ?
If it does not sound at last as good as the Roland JV1080 it will be worthless for the average musician.

Now assume I want at least basic audio/midi sequencing, professional style player, included styles, sounds, soft-sampler and softsynth.
These modules cost at least $400-$500 apiece.
Add that up and you quickly get past to the $5000-$6000 mark.



Installing what a standard linux distribution ? where is the traditional integrated enviroment ?
I can run my coffe machine on Linux too (as long as it has one of the CPU types supported by the kernel) but it does not mean that I turned my coffee machine in a musical keyboard.
Or will you rely on the special Mediastation's Linux sofware ? :-)




Ok please specify how much I need to pay for the control panels to get all the equivalent buttons the Mediastation has. (176 keys).
Where can I buy them, what kind of software can interperate with alle these buttons ?



64 bit used in 32 bit mode because Windows XP is not 64 bit capable and will be unable to work well in 64 bit for many many months: read the nightmare that await owners of AMD 64bit boxes on Windows XP: http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,112749,pg,6,00.asp

Not running a 64bit CPU in 64bit means driving your Ferrari without being able to switch past the 3rd gear.

On the other hand Linux is fully 64bit capable and can address as much memory as your mainboard supports (new Opteron mainboards support about 16GB of RAM)

The 64bit Mediastation is in the testing phase too, but with the nice difference that we get full RAM addressability, full CPU speed due to native 64bit mode.

Windows is simply the wrong OS to run on a Keyboard, regardless the availability of cool VST apps.




Just to prove you wrong on a few points :-)

Sorry for the ironic post but I think the Mediastation does not deserve all this bashing because no one has seen it in action yet and no one can prove that it does not work as advertised, Linux not up to the task, that the keyboard does not offer any value for the money becuase one could obtain the same stuff by assembling it by himself etc.

I think it makes sense to wait a little bit more for making further judgements.
When the keyboard will be available to touch it with your hands it will be easier for everyone to make their conclusions.

I hate hyping too, even if I work for a product/system I hate when untrue things get said or marketing is dominated by dishonesty.

Let's wait for the iron showing up at this NAMM :-)

cheers,
Benno




[This message has been edited by sbenno (edited 11-11-2003).]