Admittedly, I have a different perspective on the future of Arranger Keyboards. I believe we have only scratched the surface of the potential uses and capabilities of these computers disguised as instruments. The tablet route may indeed be an avenue. I recently acquired a used Korg Micro-Arranger and love the small size (portability) but the learning curve compared to Yamaha is really steep. I can't wait to see what the replacement to the S-910 looks like and does.

I'm hoping that some of the guys and gals here who write programs and create styles will come up with a universal platform to allow style sharing (being capable of being used to play a style for song creation) on any of the arrangers available now and in the recent past. (Bill's perspective on the future direction is probably correct, though.)

I've really become interested in multi-pads... especially the inter-active type which automatically provide accompaniment as chords and notes are played.

On my "wish list" in addition to more styles and variations, I'm still hoping the Korg, Roland and Yamaha will develop more instruments (Yamaha calls them voices) to provide realism. Most country styles are significantly behind the times lacking better steel and laptop guitars, dobros, flatops, etc.

I'm optimistic about the future and grateful for what these companies have created in the past.

My best to everyone,

Dave Rice