I think you have to be respectful of "the Look" of the 1960s, but also update it. Take the communicator. Remember, there were no cell phones in the 60s. So Anything they did was futuristic. Now you are creating something with existing technology in mind. WHAT would a cell phone look like in the future? Especially something that has to be "expedition ready". Think military grade cell phone that would be pretty indestructible. Phaser, well...we dont have hand held laser weapons yet, so, its still open. Tricorder? Think IPAD. I am not shocked that it is FLATTER. I think they really did a great job.