Kontakt is out with version 1.1
"New features:
EXS24/ EXSP24 import
HALion import
SSE2 support for increased performance

Improvements:
greatly improved auto-find of missing samples
lots of minor bugs and inconveniences fixed
KONTAKT does not quit without save anymore
new KONTAKT logo
zone parameter are now also accessible in the mapping editor
DXi support

Known issues:
missing vst automation
changing view size causes graphic distortion
some CD roms might cause problems importing AKAI"

I haven't tested it, but "minor bugs and inconveniences" fixed sounds a bit strange, as there has been a few bugs in Kontakt that are hardly "minor".

'xcuse me here but $350 for a single timbral instrument is sort of expensive i think. OK, superb editing etc. etc. but $350 !?!? Even freeware modules these days are multitimbral for Lord's sake.

Kontakt is 16 channel multitimbral with 256 (processor dependant) polyphony.

I'm using an Athlon which doesn't support SSE2 but the 1.1 update is very nice. It's good to have more file formats. Kontakt can still be a CPU hog depending on how many modules and processes you use per synth but I'm able to get 64 notes with simple patches and a couple of CPU intensive setups.

I am also assuming that an Athlon XP1700+ is modest for a modern DAW. None the less Kontakt works fine for me. Also, if you look around it's available for $300 at some stores.

Ooops, i stand corrected. From the NI site:

"KONTAKT supports every professional native interface to seamlessly fit into all computer-based studios. KONTAKT can be used as a plug-in with VST® 2.0, DXi™, DirectConnect™, and MAS™. In the studio or during a live performance, KONTAKT can be used with less latency than a hardware sampler with ASIO™, ===> offering 32 outputs and up to 256 stereo voices."

Thanks x_bruce for the info.