Jos,

Okay, really what you're asking for is something like: a 76 key arranger with 9 inch+ laptop-type screen, a QWERTY keyboard and pad, a chassis that supports expansion, possible removal of the motherboard/cards/memory, Windows OS, and arranger software, and a keyboard that caters for the software, meaning all the transport controls, and buttons you would normally find on an arranger/synth.

From a technical standpoint, yes it is possible and has been shown on prototypes as mentioned already in this thread.

So, you've got to ask yourself why the likes of Yamaha/Roland hasn't created such a beast, and it really goes hand-in-hand with companies like them producing 'musical' products that are geared for musicians.

Here's a scenario: say Yamaha for instance created the music PC with Windows and an open architecture as you say. Where's the product focus? Where do products like the Tyros come from in the future? Where do gems like the Trinity's, i30's and Motif's come from?

The whole thing really boils down to we're a generation of product-buyers that find character in products that are either good or bad. Having an open architecture and PC as you suggest would do away with the character we find in products. You're essentially buying into Microsoft's character, which to be blunt, doesn't have one except for money.

Personally, I think arrangers of the future will have a lot more sophisticated operating systems, and indeed there will not be an arranger keyboard as such - just musical keyboards that reflect good product design and the character of the company that makes them.

Again, putting music production in the hands of Microsoft would be an enormous mistake. Your point about MS being THE standard is entirely true, yet what most people don't seem to not know is that there's other companies out that making better products.

However, if you're like the billions of others as you say who prefer a box at a cheap price, then you're likely not interested in the ideal music PC that you're looking for, which made by any company would cost in excess of $2500 (if it is to be any good).

So, the whole point boils down to the following:

1. Musicians like products with character, an open-standard music PC wouldn't provide this.
2. Microsoft and their Windows OS are totally wrong for music.
3. You can already get what you're asking for by having a lightweight master keyboard and a system of racks. All could be as easily transportable as a single keyboard is.

Frankie.

[This message has been edited by awarenessengine (edited 09-03-2003).]