Anyone have any experience with MIDI controllers/samplers?

[Blitz]

I'm gonna pick one or both up. Looking at basic stuff to start, like this (http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/9539/Keyboards/MIDI_Controllers_Drum_Machines/Akai/LPK25_-_Laptop_Performance_Keyboard.htm) and this (http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/Akai-Professional-MPD18-USB-MIDI-Pad-Controller?sku=620023), but just curious if anyone has hands on experience with anything.

[FakeLaser]

Word, I was gonna get one too but have no idea where to even start

[Blitz]

Ordered this jumpoff (http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/Akai-Professional-MPK-Mini-Laptop-Production-Keyboard?sku=H68164), seems like a nice little starter, cheap too.

[dronepool]

I have an M-Audio Axiom 25.


http://www.m-audioshop.nl/images/axiom25p2.jpg

[The Mask]

what programs do you have to actually synthesize the sound?

[dronepool]

I have Logic Express and Reason 3.0 on my Macbook. When I used my desktop PC before it broke, I had a bunch of downloaded programs.

[Blitz]

I was looking at the Axiom. Little too expensive for me right now.

[FakeLaser]

Gonna order one of these after the holidays