The whole reason want this type of device, including myself, is to have a LARGE(or larger) touchscreen when compared to an iPod touch/iPhone. I love this device and have been waiting form something like this for a long time. It seems they'll be able to add more gadgets to get this device to do just about anything - like managing the lighting, HVAC, security in addition to qeuing movies, etc. Thanks HP - now when can I expect the 20 inch model?

The fact remains, the iPhone is a phone, not a computer. If you want to work the way you work on your computer, bring it with you. Let's pray Apple and other companies don't start making computers that work like phones because people are complaining their computers don't let them text and make phone calls - and nifty pocket-portability - the way their phones do.

First, there are already other companies out there implementing 11.2 surround sound technologies (can't remember the name of the first movie or the company that pioneered the technology, but I know the individual responsible for the first soundtrack had worked with George Lucas (but of course) - Yamaha and Pioneer to name just a couple.

Second, if you think that you have difficulty, for example, localizing sound in the woods or urban area, it's due to the many reflections and deflections that a sound traveling through such an environment (or the complex scene/landscape in a movie) goes by/through before reaching your ear. What sound designers are trying to (aside from taking more money out of our pocket) is to most accurately recreate through the use of additional speakers/channels is the natural audio environment that you would experience in the real word (or the audio immersion effect intended by the director).

Third, just because a move soundtrack is not discrete (i.e. 7.1 soundtrack with an 11.2 HT) in terms of matching your audio setup doesn't mean the receiver or surround sound processor can't take advantage of the additional amplifier/speaker channels in recreating the natural (as best as possible) audio environment. Of course, many audiophiles (if not all) would say this is sacrilege - who cares, they prefer stereo anyway for their precious vinyl and now defunct super audio cds or whatever, the vast majority of us (and the friends we plan to entertain) much appreciate the cool totally immersive surround sound effect that these type of processing units/speaker setups provide.

fyi... I don't particularly care for the format/setup presented by Audyssey, buy I do see why such a system would be appeal to those individuals who prefer very localized/direct sound as opposed to ambient/reflected sound.

"In a world where Monster is charging double..." -- more like quadruple for a digital line!!! is absurd. there is no performance difference in so-called hq digital cables vs the inexpensive ones you can find on amazon for a couple bucks.