Puncher: Me being a sceptic, I can't help but think we are getting a little carried away here. While I don't want to start a MS/Symbian/Apple slanging match (Flappo behave ) we need to look at what we now have that we didn't/couldn't have before. There were remote applications for other devices , there is probably better equiped hardware

The high-end is similar to BeoLab 3s in some ways, except I find them to sound a little more metallic. When compared to the output of your BeoLab 4000s (which is exceptional for their size), you may find the bass a little less impressive. Still fantastic speakers though...

WiFi isn't a flexible enough solution, but digital distribution is the way forwards. The issue with WiFi is it's unreliability, and that's why Apple's system has a large delay, which isn't suitable for a multi-purpose link system like BeoLink.

I carry a Sony Ericsson W910i with me, which is a good phone, and is great in terms of MP3/portable music players, but my Nano completely wipes the floor with it - I couldn't use the W910i as an MP3 player after having owned an iPod.

I'd say go for it! The 8000s are very good speakers (although very different from the BeoLab 3s evidently). The latest version is the best version, although the original ones are still perfectly fantastic speakers.

Whistle & A Prayer - Coldcut. Sound Mirrors is an exceptionally good album, very very different from any of their prior material.

I'm still intrigued RE the new 5 system. Apple may have provided amazing under-the-skin technology and of course were the first to truly adopt multi-touch displays properly, but as far as music goes, this hasn't massively changed browsing music. I mean sure it's iTunes but even better, but nobody as yet has produced a media-center which will give you

Whoops, don't know what I was smoking when I wrote that.

The mk1 and mk2 BeoLink 1000 have the AV command, the later ones do not however. The Beo4 does have the AV command as you have mentioned, but I don't think it does the same thing. There are actually a few commands on the Beo4 which are labelled the same as the BeoLink 1000 but don't do the same thing.

The Cat Empire - So Long. Their latest album is a stormer. Can't wait to see them live again when they next do a UK tour. The most entertaining, energetic and skilled musicians I have seen on stage, period.