But James uses an extreme example there, chas. GPO even runs in RAM, no need to stream, and definitely blows away ANY hardware keyboard's orchestral sounds. Ivory is amazing, but runs comfortably alongside many other VSTi's. Same with BFD, DFH2, etc., etc..

The answer has been these new Core Duo chips and computers. They are SO much faster than they used to be (and latency is down to 'better than hardware' with the right soundcard) that it might be worth a second look, chas. Things move pretty rapidly in the computer world (unlike the sluggish keyboard industry)...

I guess it boils down to whether you think your current hardware is 'good enough', or you would like to step up to the next level. Technically, it's a LOT easier than it used to be...

(BTW, can you install a WinXP drive on this MOBO setup, and use the non-Vista ready stuff until it is?)