MPC 500 or MPC 1000

Hey! Im really new at this whole mpc stuff so i need a little bit help for some questions, because im getting ready to purchase one of these mpcs(MPC 500 or MPC1000). First of all i want to apologize if some questions are really stupid. :

1) On which mpc is easier to chop samples? Ive seen that it looks really easy on MPC 1000( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9zZNbIcYuY ) . If you want to chop something on mpc 500, do you need to do it on pc ?

2)How big are sample banksfor mpc500 and mpc1000? Like, mpc 500 has only 4 banks? and if i need more than for banks, i just need to change memory card with other samples, right?

3)ive seen on mpc 1000 tutorial video , that it has like beat correction in it(when you record a beat you play, it automatically makes it more tighter so it sounds better and more in time). Is this function also in mpc 500?

4) How long sample can you put on on 1 pad? Is it possible,for example, to put 5 minute song just on one pad? or is there a limit( 10 or 20 seconds? ).

5) can you change pad sensitivity for these mpcs? Like, if you hit it very weak , it just wont make sound, because you need to hit it harder?

6) where is the best place to buy mpc? (is it ebay or maybe http://www.mpcstuff.com/ ? )

Thats it! Waiting for answers. Thank you guys!

1.) The 1K is probably much easier than the 500... especially being new to MPCs. You can chop on the 500 by using 'EXTRACT' in TRIM mode or you could copy XY sample to a few different pads and adjust the start/end points accordingly (per-pad, hence making chops).

2.) 500 can have 12x4 pads/samples per PROGRAM (a group of samples) and the 1K has 16x4 per program. These are sounds you create "kits" (PROGRAMS) with and are loaded into the machine's RAM. You can have a library of samples on your CF card but these are NOT loaded in active memory until you select them (and typically assign them to a program).

3.) Your "beat correction" is called "quantization" and every model has it.

4.) I believe you are only limited by the amount of RAM you have. 128Mb's the maximum and that can pack a LOT of short sounds or one massive sample. Up to you.

5.) The pad sensitivity can indeed be altered.

6.) MPCstuff is a legit retailer, really does the MPC community a great service but it is not the only place to score an MPC that is ready to rock. I found my (blue) 1K for $275. Talked down to $250. Haven't looked back since.

Owned the 500 and wish I'd gone for the 1000 within a few months due to the extra features, screen size you get.

If you don't need it for portability I'd recommend the 1000 but if being mobile is a must, the 500 is more than adequate and ticks most boxes.

Don't get the 500, the 1000 is portable enough and is 10x as powerful. You can find them in very nice condition for less than $400.

Craigslist will have the best prices but offers the least protection for the buyer. The MPCs on http://www.mpc-stuff.com are outrageously expensive in my opinion, but at least those have been cleaned/serviced and come with a warranty.

Keep an eye out on craigslist, and have the seller demonstrate its functionality before you buy it. Best of luck!

EDIT: here are two sample listings in my area. Find something like this, have the seller show you that it works, and you'll have a very capable machine for a good price.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/msg/4900691025.html
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/msg/4868587188.html