Adhering to that ancient adage, “If it’s good enough for Sting, it’s good enough for me,” MusicPad Pro is a Linux-based device with an integrated LCD and flash memory that aims to be a trouble-free replacement for sheet music, condensing dozens of loose pages into a single pad. Although manufacturer FreeHand has said the $1,200 MusicPad isn’t a raging success yet, they are taking steps to build an all-in-one environment, currently licensing around 35,000 different pieces of compatible sheet music. While ePaper and tablet PCs may offer some competition, FreeHand’s commitment to making the MusicPad crash-proof will make all the difference in the world: musicians pay a huge premium to know their gear isn’t going to fail mid-performance (see: Sting + Yoga).
