I've been using the iPronto for about 9 months
with no significant problems. What it does, it
does well and I wouldn't be without it. However
I too am disappointed that it does not seem to
be being developed as promised in the white paper
that was on the Philips website when I bought
the iPronto.

I kept a copy of the white paper and it clearly
shows a network extender with an RS232 connection.
It also contains the words "For more extended
status feedback, the network extender is equipped
with a serial communication port" suggesting that
two way serial control was planned at that stage.
The white paper promises much more and states
that Philips is (was?) working with partners to
develop new applications for the iPronto. Have
those plans now changed?