I did it.  I went out and bought my new Akai MPD.  I spent all yesterday tryin to learn this piece of gear and I'm about to work on it tonight and tomorrow as well.  Originally, I only bought it cuz I needed a controller to pound out my drums on.  The thing was kinda expensive and the more I around with it, the more I realize this is a real professional piece of equipment and there is tons of ill ish I can learn on it. 

At the same time, it is all pretty complicated and it reminds me why I have no interest in becoming a gear head and learning tons of gear such as an ASR, MPC etc.  I like learning computer programs, thank you.  That stuff is more user friendly and besides, I'm certain that is the future.