Why doesn't someone come out with a keyboard that has a 200GB hard drive, the ability to run AU/VST software synths and samplers, onboard 16-track audio recording, VST/AU effects, waveform editing, and an onboard DVD-RW drive?

Can't be too hard in this day and age, right? We already have this on our computers, right?

Well, that's the point. We can already do these things with a computer. So, if you're sitting there reading this on your PC, why aren't you just using your PC to do your music?

Frankly, I gotta rant a bit here. I'm baffled why anyone with a reasonably powerful computer wouldn't use it for music production. Yes, I've heard the comments like "I spend all day in front of a computer, the last thing I want to do is come home and make music with one".

I'm not buying that. Saying you prefer a workstation instead of a computer for music production is like saying you prefer rotary phones and dial up to high-speed broadband and cellphones.

What I hear when someone says they don't like to use a computer for music is - they don't understand how to set it up. They're confused. That's a legitimate objection. But to say a computer is less convenient or not as capable as a standalone workstation - even the XS - that's just plain wrong.

A computer may be less than ideal for gigging - perhaps. Although, a small laptop, a MIDI/audio interface, and a keyboard, and you're good to go. And if computers were so inconvenient, you wouldn't see major touring acts using them. But most do. They're not luxuries, they're essential. Most major acts couldn't go on tour without computers. There isn't an album anywhere that doesn't at some point require a computer for production.

A standalone workstation (like the Motif) and a compuer are two different products. They're intended to be. Computers are more easily upgraded than closed-system standalone workstations. Proprietary LSI's are better for standalone workstations, but don't work so well for computers.

If you want the 200GB hard drive, AU/VST implementation, waveform editing, audio recording - you already have that now. If you're afraid of computers but want multi-track audio recording, you can buy a standalone multi-track audio recorder like one of Yamaha's MW series.

Sorry, no more excuses. If you have a computer and you want the advantges for music production that a computer provides, then use your computer. If you can figure out a video game, a camcorder, a cellphone,TiVo, directTV or your taxes, then you can figure out how to use your computer for music production. Or just go ask someone who does know. Enough already.