MPC 500 or an MPK49 for first time user

Hey,
I'm just starting to get into making beats and I'd like to know what would be best for a first time user. The only reason i was thinking of getting an mpk over the mpc is it has a keyboard as well as the drum pads. My apartment is pretty small so space is also a factor as well as cost, i was even looking at the mpk25. I have reason 4 on my pc but have yet to use it yet. I just wanted to know if the mpc 500 would be a better choice to learn on first seeing how I have no experience with either hardware or software. Would it be better to get the mpc and then get a synth later or should i get the mpk because it has both. I know the mpc can do full production as well as samples while i believe the mpk is just a midi controller so thats also a factor. Thanks in advance for your help.

If you already have reason on you computer, i reccomend the mpk. If you want a great MPC that meets you beginner skills, get the 1000. It's much easier to understand .

The 500 is a great instrument for travelling but advanced sample chopping is not an option.

Good luck hunting.

i don't like making music on a pc. i like the directness of the mpc. no **** around loading software and intergrating all that stuff. the mpc is a self-contained unit, so you can load it up with your samples, and work away independently of a computer or other gear. so that's great if you have limited space or want to take your beats with you.

question is, which mpc. the 500 is really portable, and there are plenty of people on here who have good things to say about it. but it doesn't use the jj operating system, which makes beatmaking much more satisfying. i use the 1000.