first mpc? which one!

i have been using software for a minute and would like to switch to hardware, i'm not buying new so, do i get a 500 or 2000? those are probaly the cheapest ones to get? i see that the blue 1000's are pretty cheap, do i take a chance on a 1000?
[with all the pad probs} if anybody has any insight please help out BE-EASY PEACE!!!

Ehum u been trying a software for a minute and u decide to go with an MPC?
I would go for MPC 1000 if i were u.
But do u have any music experience at all?

Make sure this is what you really want first. Some questions to ask yourself:

What didn't you like about the software? What can these MPC's do for you?

you're making the right move.
2000 would be good, so would a 1000 -- just make sure it has the new pads.

I'm in the same position. Just got a 1000 off ebay but it hasn't come yet so I may be entirely off. From my research I would recommend the 1000 either really cheap so you can replace the pads(dead pads drop the price significantly) or the new BK-N or V.2 model that comes stock with new pads. The one with the new pads has a black back where all the ports are. The 2000 is nice but it lacks simplicity when it comes to computers(floppy disks instead of CF cards and no USB.) It also doesn't support the JJOS which isn't a big deal but certainly something to look into. The 500 is considerably downsized from the others. I don't know how easy it is to cut up a loop on that tiny screen. Check it out at a store if you can to see how you like it. the 2500 is a great option if your looking to put a couple dollars into it but if you ask me your best bet is definitely a 1000. It's also really easy to upgrade. A hard drive and upgraded memory for under $150 assuming you don't use Akai parts. I really have very little experience in the matter but I hope I could be of some help.