Korg Microkontrol Controller Options

[peterpen]

I'm getting started making some tracks and am looking for a controller. The MicroKontrol looks sweet and seems to have decent reviews - was wondering if anyone on here had experience w/it? Is there a loop or hold function for those 16 pads similiar to what is possible on a MPC?
At the moment, I am only using Garageband, but will be getting Reason 2.5 and an MBox w/ProTools LE shortly. I don't really want to get some rinky-dink controller like the Oxygen which seems like I'd outgrow it rather quickly.
thanks in advance - other suggestions for sub-$400 controllers would be welcome!
-Peter

[sethjacquay]

Despite the posts listed above, I was still interested in
the Microkontrol, so I went on down to a local Sam Ash
and a Guitar Center (they are right next to each other).

While I am sure it is a decent midi controller, the keyboard
is f*cking crap! If you don't believe me go check it out yourself.
The keys are super tiny, I knew they were small, but these
are too small and the feel is kind of spongy meaning the
response sucks. I was totally disappointed as the unit looks
so cool, but just wouldn't be worth the cash. Now I am back to
square one on a finding a midi controller that will compliment
my Yamaha DX-11. I am thinking just a straight controller,
no keyboard right now.

Something like the:

Behringer BCF2000 $219
or
M-Audio UC-33e $329

Anyone, have any other suggestions?