Keyboard Advice Please, new to the world of piano and midi Options

[seanb]

Hello everyone.

I would like to learn how to play the piano, and I'm interested in getting a midi keyboard/controller. I was initially looking at the MAudio Keystation 49e, but I ended up talking myself out of it after reading about weighted hammer action keys vs. velocity sensitive synth style keys. I don't want to spend a lot of money, in fact I'd like to stay below $250, so I bet weighted keys are out of the question anyway...

I'm lost and would really appreciate some advice on which keyboard to get.

I'm in college, so I'm naturally short on cash. Like I said, I don't want to spend more than $250. The cheaper the better, but I don't want a super cheesy keyboard either. Used would be just fine, any places online I should look other than eBay?

I would like full-size keys. How big are the keys on the MAudio Radium 61? Are they acceptable?

Should I really worry about the feel of the keys at this level? I'm a total beginner, is learning on a synth-style midi controller going to screw me over when I try playing on a real piano? I definitely want a midi controller, so I can use it with GarageBand and other, more powerful apps down the road. I don't care if the keyboard has built in sound creation abilities at all, because I'll probably always have it hooked up to my powerbook anyway.

Sorry for all the questions. I've spent several hours reading up on keyboard reviews, etc. and I'm just going in circles. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[seanb]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm tempted to buy a cheapo board now, but I think I'll wait until I get back from Russia this summer and have a little more money. Is there a particular Fatar weighted-key contoller I should look for on the used market?