Keyboard For Soundtrack / Gargageband?, Best one for novice? Options

[edge]

I've been using Soundtrack for some time, will probably add GarageBand to the mix, and I want to expand the possibilities with an inexpensive ($200 or less) keyboard. Apple recommends two keyboards on the GarageBand page, so I'm currently looking in that direction, but I don't know if these or others are best for me.

They are:

1) M-Audio Keystation 49e USB Midi Keyboard ($79)
2) Edirol PCR-30 MIDI Keyboard Controller ($169)

About them:

- One has 49 keys while the other has 32 (does that matter to me?)
- One is titled a 'controller' while the other is not (whatever that means)
- One has more nobs and buttons than the other (but maybe these are not necessary and effects can be handled via software...?)

About me:

- I don't necessarily need/want to learn to play piano, just want to be able to create new melodies and loops.
- I played drums for six years so I have rhythm.
- I'm a music nut and know what sounds good.

Any recommendations? It's more a hobby, but partially for business.

Thanks ahead of time!

[dixiechicken]

I'd just like to add, that if you got the money and space for it, try to get a at least a 61-note keyboard. (I dont know if theres one that fits your budget)

Shorter keyboards usually make it harder to play music the way it is written.
You'll run into situations where you have to, sometimes quite radically,
shift your hand positions and fingerings to play a music piece.

Then again it depends on what you what to do - and how you're gonna use your keyboard.

People who started out on keyboards by playing the piano/taking piano lessons, usually prefer
keyboards with "weighted action". Unfortunately these keyboards are usually a bit more expensive.

Cheers: Dixiechicken