[mtdev]

Thanks for the link. I figured YC knew the risk if PG asked for more hardware people to apply. It's true that it's very hard to have the same type of growth in a hardware startup as software, but someone has to make the gadgets. Additionally, while Kickstarter gives you funding, they don't provide the same type of mentorship that YC may offer.

[rdl]

Yes, the general fear of hardware in the valley was cured over the past year. There are still issues specific to hardware companies, but it is no longer that big a problem. Things which are hardware plus service are even more popular.