While I agree that software samplers are better than hardware samplers, I wouldn't exactly call hardware samplers "obsolete." Certain models still offer something desirable for the electronic musician. For example, even though I have Logic's EXS24 plug-in and Reaktor, I still can't bring myself to part with my old Ensoniq ASR-10 because of it's unique sound and it's loop point modulation capability. Any sample I make on the computer will have a heavier, fatter sound coming out of my ASR-10 than it will coming out of any computer soundcard, no matter how much filtering and EQ tweaking I do. It also has the unique (to Ensoniq gear) feature where I can assign various controllers to either the start point, end point, loop length, or loop position. Essentially, this is granular synthesis, but the sound of it is completely unique. I have yet to hear it reproduced even in a program as versitile as Reaktor, which can perform the same operation with it's grain cloud module, yet not produce the same sound I'm looking for.

Now, if I didn't have my ASR-10 before going soft, would I necessarily hunt one down? No. But I still keep it even though I could probably get between $600 and $1000 for it. It is by no means my primary sampler these days, but it far from useless to me.