In re-reading this discussion it strikes me that the extra potential transfer speed of P2 can be relevant at the editing end even if it's not necessary at the recording end, so maybe P2 isn't rendered obsolete by advances in standard flash memory after all. I still think more people would be interested in an IT workflow using inexpensive media than P2, and it will be interesting to see what Panasonic (and others) do in the future using AVCHD discs and so on. These are interesting times in terms of equipment options, and hopefully we'll see even more new options in the future.

In re-reading this discussion it strikes me that the extra potential transfer speed of P2 can be relevant at the editing end even if it's not necessary at the recording end, so maybe P2 isn't rendered obsolete .........after all. I still think more people would be interested in an IT workflow using inexpensive media than P2, ...........
That's true enough, but I've very carefully used the words "average user" throughout this thread, and I don't see P2 ever really offering enough advantages to such to make it viable to them if such as a CF solution was available. What will be available obviously depends upon how manufacturers respond, whether any one sees a business opportunity and a chance to undercut the opposition.

For the reasons given above, I feel P2 is more likely to carry on in expensive pro cameras than in the prosumer market such as for the HVX.

Theoretically, even higher end users could get speed benefits at download (if their systems are capable) by techniques such as downloading 4 CF/SD cards in parallel - so 4 8GB CF cards could be downloaded in the same time as 1 32GB P2 card. say.

Practically, I suspect the biggest threat to P2 comes from the architecture upon which it is centred currently being phased out. Increasingly, laptop computers may have inbuilt CF slots, but need an external reader for a P2 card.

Theoretically, even higher end users could get speed benefits at download (if their systems are capable) by techniques such as downloading 4 CF/SD cards in parallel - so 4 8GB CF cards could be downloaded in the same time as 1 32GB P2 card. say.

Ah, good point - will be interesting to see if such a solution develops. As far as 'average users' are concerned, it's a foregone conclusion that they'll take an affordable mainstream solution over a more expensive and obscure one - hence my earlier comment that P2 is becoming an anachronism. But P2 obviously works for some people for now, and until those people feel they have a better alternative it doesn't matter what happens in the future. If I was buying stocks I'd pick a company which makes CF over one which makes P2; if you're buying a camera pick the one which does what you need at a price you can afford. (HDV works for me, but I keep an eye out for something I'll like better.)