The only real change between the 6000 and 6500 was the addition of some new voices and styles. You could also buy an expansion card for the 6000 to bring it up to 6500 spec in this regard.

As far as the introduction of new models is concerned, the KN5000 was introduced mid 1997, the KN6000 late 1999, the KN6500 mid to late 2000 (from memory?) and now the KN7000. The frequency is therefore about 2 years (ignoring the 6000/6500 'minor' increment). As you say, its all down to the relentless march of technology, like buying a PC really!

I think that in the end you have to sit down and think about how you 'actually' use whatever model you've got and how much extra enjoyment potential there may be from upgrading. Having the latest model is only worth it if you are going to use the new features you've just paid for.

I have a 6000 and resisted the temptation to get a 6500 as the benefits were, to my mind, marginal. The 7000 appears to still have a lot of technology based on the previous models (same screen and the same 'basic' key layouts etc.), but may have enough on it to tempt me, especially since you no longer need overpriced 3rd party hard drives.

Except that any cash that may have been available went towards paying for my impending honeymoon yesterday. Oh well!

Richard.