if you're going hardware, cop you a "mpc". i hear the "2500" is pretty dope. haven't gotten a chance to mess with it. that will be your centerpiece. a dope keyboard (motif, fantom, etc.) and a lot of vinyl. that's the basics. i mean, it's all on what you're going to feel comfortable with. it doesn't neccesarily have to be the "mpc", there are other options. go to you local "guitar center" or pro audio store and have the employees give you a quick demo with the stuff you're interested in. then, go in on your own and mess with them as much as you can. that should help you on your decision. don't go and just buy something because someone tells you it's hot, because then if you don't like it, you'll be ready to get rid of it and i'm quite sure you don't have money to waste.