MOTM

I've heard a number of the vocaloid demos.  Initially I was quite 
impressed, and I suppose I still am, but the more I listened to it 
the more it sounded like really overdone Auto-Tune.  

The Vocaloid software is really sophisticated sample playback 
software.  all the components of the vocal parts generated are 
stored as samples.  On the other hand, (at least according to what I 
have heard) the Cantor stuff is actually synthesized.

Stephen St. Croix (Mix magazine columnist) said that vocaloid 
sounded like a heavy cocaine user who had become recently deaf.  
After laughing my ass off over that comment I'm inclined to agree.
It's also reportedly difficult and time consuming to use.

Having said all that, I'll probably still end up buying the thing.  
It's far cheaper than hiring a bunch of backup singers.  Most of my 
clients prefer cheap to authentic. (Unfortunately!)  Although I 
occasionally bring in a real horn section, most of the time I use 
samples.  I'm sure it will be the same with this.