Actually, I don't. Not trying to create a downer here but consider this. As of March 2010, Apple had sold over 450,000 Ipads. Currently, the number is probably over two million. Obviously, the financial motivation to develop this product far outweighs any such motivation to sink millions into R&D for a relatively low (sales) volume, low profit, niche item like an arranger keyboard. This is not arranger bashing, just common sense. If a "super-tech" arranger IS built, trust me, it will also be "super-priced". Being super expensive, of course, will just drive the number of sales even lower. A vicious, ugly cycle, but an economic reality.

So wipe away those tears and go learn to play an instrument that has stood, and will continue to stand, the test of time..........like a Nord C1 , or maybe a really good quality stage piano. Then, get a couple of your talented friends, form a (really good) band, and be a pioneer in the new movement to bring back "real" live music, played by "real" live musicians, on "real" live instruments. Also, don't forget to sign up for food stamps, unemployment benefits, and other "entitlements" common to "pro" musicians.

Of course, those blessed with great vocal ability have nothing to worry about, as (except for straight jazz clubs - and there aren't many left) that is pretty much the only thing the audience is interested in anyway. What 'magical' arranger you play your accompaniment on matters a lot less than you might think. Did they come to see 'ol Blue Eyes or his no-name band?

This is MY OPINION ONLY. Except for Design Engineers, Art and Technology are at opposite ends of the spectrum, and the more we embrace (and rely upon) one, the further we get from the other. I'm always amazed that no one seems to see that the more we incorparate 'music that we didn't create' into our performances, the closer we become to being DJ's (not that there's anything wrong with DJ's ). Next will be a 'wonder box' that SIMULATES two turntables with
'scratching' and cross-fading. OR......we could just buy an MP3 player.

chas


[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 12-13-2010).]