a few questions about the MPC 500

i tried posting this on the "getting started" forum but i only got 2 replies and the advised me not to get an MPC 500.

ive been producing a while now and just want to get into sampling a bit more.

just a few questions about the 500:

ive heard that the pads are bad (like you have to press them really hard in order to achieve full volume), what are peoples experiences with them and also is there an option where i can just turn off pressure sensitivity all together?

what is the ability to chop samples like?? do most people here use an external software wave editor to chop their samples or do they use the MPC 500??
i would like to be able to chop up all my samples in the 500 and not use an external device.

is it possible to have a created beat playing and then directly scratch a sample (im a turntablist) and have the MPC record it??

ive also heard that the sequencer is very poor, in comparison to the other MPCs anyway.

i also have an alesis micron. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MIDI but was wondering could i trigger the sound fx and drum noises of the micron from the MPC?

anyway hopefully somebody will be able to help me out (i know i have a lot of questions).

P.S. i have never owned an MPC before (any model)

Get an MPC 1000 used.. They are the same price used and with the JJOS you have one of if not the best MPC's made.. I do not own an MPC 500 but have considered it and if you do not absolutley need a battery powered unit the 1000 is waaayy better.

And on an MPC 1000 you can do all of the things you asked and it is much more intuitive.

Full mode turns off sensitivity and it is a standard button on all mpc's

the 500 doesn't have zoning does it?

What is zoning?