Eric P and others: What's a good beginner compact MIDI keyboard?

[TakingBackSunday]

I'm going all audiofag this Christmas, asking for things to surround myself so I can hopefully have a little mini-studio around me to start my experimentation.  I want to get a compact MIDI keyboard, but reading up on them, I'm not really sure which to get.  I know that I want a good feeling one, with realistic feeling keys with good velocity sensitivity.  But I don't know what else to look for for a good beginner board.  I know I probably want some good options in terms of sliders, knobs, and other controllers.  Also, a relatively inexpensive board would be good, but all compact MIDI boards are in a good range of prices.  I'm looking for $100-$300.

This looks about what I want:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--EDIPCR300

...but I figured I'd get some feedback and advise first.  Hope to get some help!

[TakingBackSunday]

hai

[Madrun Badrun]

hey

[TakingBackSunday]

hows it going

[Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich]

Have you looked at M-Audios? They're an alright brand for beginners. A friend scored this one for like 150:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Axiom49.html

[TakingBackSunday]

Ah yes, exactly what I was looking for!  I'll add that to my list.

[Eric P]

m-audio is a good beginner interface

inexpensive, does what you want it to do.

[Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich]

The keys on it feel good too, much much better than my Alesis beater.