AKAI MPDs?

i'm looking to get an mpc style drumpad midi controller for my external samplers (emax/s950) 'cause i feel like my drum programing would improve with the tactility of hitting a pad versus a key (i'm using an emax keyboard as my main controller).

anyway i don't think i'll need assignable knobs/faders or midi-through-usb just pads and midi... a used akai mpd16 seems like it'd fit the bill (plus they're going for cheap!) but i just wanted to ask y'all first about your opinions. looks like the later models (18, 24...) would have too many features that i wouldn't use and as far as i can tell, no regular midi... basically they're geared more for controlling software than exernal equipment.

i was just wondering if there were any other products you guys could recommend or if anyone could chime in on the mpd16 i'd appreciate it.

thanks

the mpd 16 will work fine. I have one for just that reason and considering it doesn't work on any of my computers except for my older xp machine that is not even being used... the mpd is still very useful as either an extra set of 16 pads for the sampler or as velocity pads for drum machines that done have the feature built in on the stock buttons.