Budget IS the main thing. You've never really said what you are willing to pay. There are several really good arrangers at the sub-$1000 mark, and a Karma, used, can be got for the $500-600 or so mark...

How much you want to spend?

Under $1,000.00. I can do $500.00.

A used Karma sounds just about right. That leaves a bit of money over for maybe a couple of soft synths for your laptop...?

You know what? I am going to look for what I want, and just enjoy it. To hell with what I think otherwise. It's time I made a change.

As Sheryl Crow said: " A change will do you good"


Paul

As said above, check out some Softsynths.
There should be demos that are free to download, even for Mac users.
Download some demos, fiddle around with their controls, (lots of knobs that you can even move with the mouse) and use an old Midi capable keyboard (if you have one) or a cheap controller, and "play" with it. Yuo shold be able to get a "feel" of what is like and if in a matter of weeks it proves to be satisfactory, amusing, pleasing etc etc, then go for the full version and maybe buy a controller with enough knobs so you can have a "Moog like" knob heaven on your desk.

Had not thought about that?

not sure if the remark is ironic, but there are literally TONS of free soft synths around, at least for windows.
check google and type "soft synth free" or "moog emulator" or something and you'll find lots.

youtube can also be a useful way to "see" and hear wht it sound like.
once (and if) you get hooked, there should be people here to help with the technical stuff, since i don't own a mac.

Thank You, and to think I just bought a 01/WFD? Well, I still have a KORG Controller Keyboard.