So you see those comments often if you say youre surprised "every time" you see them.

Sure, to a certain degree its a matter of taste. But there are other factors as well, and they are not as subjective. When I look around and see the gadgets people carry with them (mobile phones, laptops, music players...), the typical thing is that the kids from a low income, low education background prefer white/shiny silver design, whereas in a professional white-collar environment black or dark grey is predominant. In my office, I never see suit-and-tie people with shiny silver PDAs or mobile phones. They're all grey or black with brushed metal.

What I'm saying is that it's one thing that you and I disagree on the design of the new device. We're just two people whose taste is mostly irrelevant. But: There are some design principles that obviously carry a message, like: black, unobtrusive is serious adult stuff; shiny, flashy is cheap kids' stuff.

Besides: I still don't see how the lack of the slide-on cover will be accepted by 770-buyers. I remember how the clever design (its multi-functional: protection and power-saver) was praised when the 770 hit the market. Would you put your 770 into your pocket without the cover to protect the screen? I'd never. Too scared it would get scratched. What is the alternative on the 870? A condom?