I agree with you Jackson. In the UK AIBO has been quite a success but still very much a niche product-largely due to the price! But everyone knew it was a Sony! Standard products could have been made by Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba....basically anyone and there is very little 'buzz' about them. I'm still feeling sad. Lets hope they get through it and surprise us with something fantastic! The new Walkman A1000/3000 is a saving grace!

Well I hate to put the cat amoung the pidgeons on a US website but have you noticed that these changes have come about since American management got into Sony???!!! I think the closure of robotics is a big mistake-Sony was always at the cutting edge of electronics. Before we know it they'll be making vacuum cleaners (at least we can all listen to some wonderfully bland sony music at the same time!)What would Akio Morita think? Very sad :(

Well just bought the gorgeous A1000 and I think it's great! Never tempted by iPod-such BORING design! The Sonys sound quality is excellent-ATRAC works very well at retaining bags of detail! Why is everyone moaning so much about compatibility and software? Come on this player is about high quality MUSIC! New version of Sonic Stage/Connect hasnt caused me any probs and have now transferred loads of my CD's. The 'library' function sorts titles in alphabetical order and 'cd ripping' time is just minutes. iPod= shopping mall music, Walkman= quality hifi! Plug in your ears it'll take your breath away! Trust me!