I just bought the Edirol pcr M 80
http://tiny.pl/5jgz and I set it up for one man band it works nice, and with the editor included it was real easy to set the buttons. I set it up the first night I got it. It cost 199 dollars.
Now I just use it at home, usb with a laptop but I could have used more buttons and less sliders and knobs. But I'm very pleased the OMB software has a great synth with no latency issues at all.
I can start stop do fills almost everything and the keys feel good more like a keyboard than a toy.
I've tried other controllers before and they just didn't feel musical.
By the way I never got the hang of software synths (didn't want to invest the time) So for me this was a real easy cheap solution while I was waiting for the s900. But right now, probably because it's summer, I'm satisfied and have put off the s900 purchase.
When I saw Fran first talk about going the controller route I figured I'd give it a try also, knowing I could ask him for help.
But my needs are simple compared to the pros.
I picked this one probably for price more than features like I said I could have used more buttons and less knobs.
[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 08-17-2007).]