I think StoneAgeGamer hit the nail on the head already.

This isn't the first time someone had this idea, and the reason why it never went anywhere is because it wasn't worth the work to satisfy such a small, niche market, especially when you can do it for free, not $125 (or was it $175?) + a shitty connection from Sprint (another monthly cost on top of your already existing home internet connection, no thanks), of all companies.

Also, why would you even consider taking preorders on something you can't prove works, will work, and so on? You're selling people on an idea (one that has been discussed by people who would be able to make it happen if it was worth the time and effort) with nothing in return. Taking peoples money before an idea has been proven and an actual market study has been done is right on the lines of being a shyster for sure.