That is very true. However, if a keyboard manufacturer makes a keyboard, whether an arranger or a workstation, and the hardware is able to be upgraded along with the software then theoretically you could stay current technology wise for years into the future. Or at the very least, until you decided to sell it. That was the problem with the OASYS in my opinion, in that it was not upgradeable in every aspect and area of the hardware. Take a look at your computer on the other hand. If it is a white box i.e. (open architecture and pieced together using custom parts) you can theoretically achieve the same goal by replacing and (upgrading) parts when necessary, and consequently, to continue to stay current regarding cutting edge computer technology, well into the future. Some things on the OASYS were upgradeable but Korg's mistake was in not making the OASYS "fully" hardware upgradable. I think Korg or any other keyboard manufacturer could make out like hogan's goat if they decided to produce such a beast. First of all, since the concept would be considered revolutionary in its ability to stay fresh and cutting edge, it would demand a higher premium for its initial cost(s). Additionally, they would also make major bucks selling the upgradeable parts to product owners, especially if they were able to do it on a large mass scale, depending of course on how well the concept caught on and how many people eventually buy into the concept.

Openlabs and Lionstrac are leaning in that direction but as far as their products being able to be "fully" customized by being able to be "fully" hardware upgradable, I'm not sure. If there were one, two, or possibly other additional parts that couldn't be replaced by being upgraded by the owner, then needless to say they would eventually have to fork over big bucks for a whole new unit somewhere down the line. Because like you said, software would eventually bring it to its knees if some of the hardware parts couldn't be upgraded to stay current with the future advancement of software technology.

Of course all of the product customization and hardware upgradableness to the "nth degree for eons into the future" will not mean a hill of beans if the thing doesn't sound good. Just as location is the epitomy in Real Estate, sound is the epitomy in a keyboard. Everything else pales in comparison, including the ability to "fully" upgrade a product (both hardware and software) well into the future.

Best,
Mike

[This message has been edited by keybplayer (edited 06-29-2008).]