Frank... I haven't left you. I fully intend to continue my work with softsynths an developing an ESH2006 system... what do I have to lose? I'm still interested in hardware too though, and a lightweight serious digital piano is at the top of my interests. I was thinking about going more for a CME UF8 controller and go all-softsynth on stage but I'm not sold on the CME's or any other 88 controller right now, so meanwhile I though I might spend a few dollars more and get a PRP-800, which could still be used in conjunction with a laptop-based system.

The MidJay is fascinating and has amazing potential as an arranger plus it can play the MP3 files I created with my Yamaha 9000 Pro and my collection of GM SMF's as well. I can put that to work immediately. I may even use my Novation X-Station 49 as a second-tier keyboard and use my laptop-based ESH2006 system with that in addition to a PRP-800 and a MidJay. Or use my Yamaha 9000 Pro with all of the above. I'm not above setting off an arranger doomsday device.

The "NI Bandstand and flr2006" thread has had an amazing level of interest. I'm happy about that - it shows that there is a lot of interest in thinking out of the box with arrangers. I wish I had more to add to the topic but I don't at the moment. I've been following it with keen interest though. With NAMM coming I'll bet we'll have plenty to talk about in the coming month or so in both hardware and software.