First off, I want to thank everyone for the help, I appreciate it and need it!

Since I am a beginner I want to start off with something cheap, under $100 (used on ebay or whatever)

I am basically so new to this that I almost don't know what to ask. But I do know I want a keyboard that I will mostly end up buying on ebay or somewhere used for cheap. I want it to have the ability to plug into my computer (I really don't know what features would be good) and I also want to be able to plug it into my stereo (headphone/3.5mm jack). I am into producing on my computer but am in no way professional. I do not care too much about quality but I do want to be able to do a lot and use some of the producing software I have.

Thanks a lot

I would say get a Casio CTK keyboard...

you can probably get one for about 100 bucks with basic general midi functionality / compatibility.

I started out with a CTK 651. lots of sounds / rhythms very easy to use...

good luck

Nick

http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Portable/

Donny, you are amazing and invaluable, thanks for all your referencing!

ThirdEyeVision, unfortunately, $100 is a tight budget. Do you want to use arranger functions? That was not clear to me. If so, maybe you could also check pawn shops or used-equipment stores. Here in my hometown I have a great dealer who might have something you're looking for, so maybe the same is true for your area.

Good luck.

thanks everyone, I don't really know what using an arranger means, but I mainly want to produce hip hop. I sample on my computer and have made a few beats, but i'm very amateur. Unfortunetly i know that 100$ is a tight budget.

Thanks for the help

sorry to post within such a short time, but I had a question.
Is there a way to add sounds or samples into the keyboard?

TEV, I don't think you want an arranger, especially something in the $100 range. It sounds like you want to record and use the keyboard to input sounds and commands. Let me suggest a few keyboards that might fit your budget and needs.
Ensoniq Mirage (sampler synth)
Roland Juno 106, U20
Korg X5
Yamaha S03
Kawai K4

thanks, I actually am looking for the keyboard to do a lot of different things but I guess for now I will take what I can get until I get some $$$.

THANKS

I am considering the ctk-800 or 900 on ebay, is the 900 worth about 30-40$ more?

I am thinking about that 900, it looks tempting (and I think it looks cooler) but I really don't know much.

I havne't been around these forums much, let me know if I should stop posting in this thread or whatever

Again, go back to - http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Portable/
and check the stats on both.

An arranger will give you auto-chords and rhythm. A regular synth keyboard probably won't do that, but could have rhythm and drum capabilities beyond that of a lower to mid-level arranger. Unless you are sticking with the arranger idea strictly for price purposes, I think a regular synth might give you more of what you're looking for - if I'm reading your intentions correctly.

I think I might try for an arranger because I have a lot of synthesizers on my computer

thanks for the help