M Box With What Midi Interface? Options

[booinec]

I'm close to ordering an M Box as an introduction to Pro Tools and recording in general. I see that the M Box does not come with a midi interface. Is it still possible to hook a keyboard/ controller up to it and play a soft-synth sampler? Is this what the interface is for? What kind of connections? How do you go from keyboard USB to the interface, or maybe it's the keyboard directly to the computer? And some keyboards have midi out too? So many questions and no dealer within a hundred miles.

With the M Box, can you use studio monitors, or just earphones?

What brand of interface would anyone recommend (assuming that's what is needed)?

What controller? I'm a guitar guy, so will be doing the hunt and peek method of playing. The Edirol PCR 50 has caught my eye, but as I say, I don't know what I'm looking at.

Help and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Equipment so far:
G5 dual 2.0
Rode NTK
TC Helicon preamp

Thanks,

Boo