a few more questions, need help seeing my way around Options

[edea]

ive been looking into sound apps lately and trying to use demos dl'ing manuals and what not and had a couple of questions as i am now ready to spend a little bit of money.

first off, reason seems a little easier then the rest to use but it also looks as though it may be an inferior product to some of the others. basically what would be a good package of software for me to get to get going. i am looking into making idm/breakbeats/mostly electronic, maybe some voiceovers everyonce in awhile but strictly electronic music. im thinking more into logic or digital performer as ive heard good things (protools looks a little tough to me) but im not exactly sure what they are in the broad scheme of things (as you see i need help) logic seems like it is a favorite among people that arent into protools, but i could be wrong.

second, i want to buy a keyboard. i am not so concerned with with the sounds that may come on it but i also have NO knowledge of keyboards at all. i was looking at usb keyboards from midiman but those seem like they could be huge pieces of crap. what is the best under 500 dollar way to go to get a keyboard into my computer with good sound quality.

those are basically my only questions right now, but there is one more thing. it is important to me that i get something decent even if it costs a little more than i expect. granted i am just learning but how do i expect to be happy with progress if i hear a bunch of hissing and static. plus im not really into going into things buying a bunch of shit. so please give me a hand. im not looking into becoming a professional but i would like to have something that sounds good.

thank you.

[edea]

i have found this. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=02...l/base_id/43894 how is it. considering that the midi interface is not necessary it saves me quite a bit.

my girlfriend is also trying to get into this and i kinda want to be able to help her out with this, because it would be pretty nice if she was into it too.

i was thinking of maybe getting one with sounds and one without. but that would cost quite a bit, and im not sure if im willing to fork that out right now. there is no reason in owning two of the same keyboard right?

given this situation and a hope to spend 500 at the very very most what do you think i should do. as of now all of my music composition will be on the computer without a doubt, so i see no need for keyboard sounds, please let me know if i am wrong in this assumption.

seeing as im doing all of this on the computer and in the electronic music genre it would be just as easy to use samples on the computer right??

thanks again and if you have any graphics questions im decent in those programs.

neil
http://entheoge.net/iks