also seems much less common in much more expensive models too like genos plus no tilt display also...

Yes, and if they go along with what people think it should, there be more weight and it would cost more. The Ea7 is what it is, and I for one am tempted to buy one just the way it is. It would be a journey, something different.

Just my thoughts, John C.

Stand by John. Maybe I know where there is one.
Can't decide whether to let it go.

go for it John it's an exceptional instrument ...plenty of help online also...or on the Roland forums too.
http://www.roland-arranger.com/

when all else fails call Fran..

Just to continue beating a dead horse - touchscreen ARE common in this price range and even lower, as you well know. Korg Pa300, Pa600, MZX500, MZX300, etc etc etc

In an era when touchscreen are everywhere, to drop that from E50/60 for instance (which was less than EA7, costwise, at least in my part o the world), I don't get it. At least Yamaha never implemented it until recently, but I don't think they will move back once the next PSR/whatever name series will receive it eventually.

THanks Fran for explaining - I thought there must be some sounds/styles packs available, much like Yamaha's. Maybe there are. Too bad BK9 never received them.

I am sure EA7 is a little beast, I quite enjoyed it when I tried it. But I was turned by the keys. That must be the biggest disappointment for 99% others like me.

But I never lose hope. I still believe Roland will come back (for real, this time) with a great arranger like BK9, but modern and updated. We shall see.

I can see why the concept of E-A7 can be so appealing. I like that it is borh compact and professionally orientated - usually you can't have it both. Meanwhile, judging by demos I can't say that it sounds in any way better than PSR-S670. The latter costs in Russia more than two times cheaper. My impression is that since the time of PSR-3000 Yamaha has updated almost each sound and style, while Roland is still using the same stuff they had decades ago. I can be wrong. Still, in Russia PSR-S670 is a big hit, according to some sales reports, and I don't see E-A7 in these reports at all.

I like the light touch of the EA7. Those of us who are not, and have never been, piano players don't need or necessarily want heavy action. Particularly now that the wrists and fingers are aging and sore.
Roland did revamp many styles on the EA7, in particular the intros and endings. Intro one is now often useful for a fill/break, which is one feature that is nearly non-existent on all Roland arrangers up to this point.

Roland does some great things with the EA7 but why can't they put standard size keys on it? To me their marketing it to kids. And kids don't learn properly on mini keyboards, check YouTube for all the amazing kids playing real pianos. Keyboards forever have had stndard size keys so all of a sudden we get mini keys. I've played the BK5 and its terrible. And some firmer resistance will help your playing. Just sayin.

i guess one thing is for sure, and this confirms it: there is taste for every option out there.