Stupid Q's but I gotta learn somehow?

I have some production questions that I need answered to help me better understand everything seeing as how Im about to spend my hard earned loot on my studio in less than 3 days...

Are mpc's only used for making drum loops or can you sample other instruments/vocals also?

What equipment would be good to begin with with a 2500 dollar budget? or should I say what equipment is crucial to the production process?

What production software is the best for PC (I have Logic 5)?

What synths/soft synths are the best to use?

And if someone could give me an overview/example of the beat production process it would be much appreciated (i.e. using the mpc together with a synth and production program)

Sorry if Im confusing anyone, thanks for any help you can give

buy the mpc2000xl and a soundcard. maybe a mic and preamp if you have any left. figure out those things and ask the rest of those questions later. you asked like two years worth of experience in 1 post. its cool. i know how it is, but just buy an mpc and you can make entire songs with it. you could record vocals in it, but you dont want to unless to chop up or for effect. read this forum for a minute and you will probably be able to answer most of your questions from them.

production equipment

hardware - mpc2000xl (4000 if you get another extra 2,500), keyboard (maybe you can find a used ASR at the pawn shop, save some loot), mixer (), computer (at least 800mhz with min. 40 gigs, 512mb), microphone (behringer makes a good condenser mic)

2000XL - $1,300 with zip drive 1,199 without
ASR Keyboard - (find at pawn shop for maybe $200.00 bucks if your lucky)
Mixer - Mackie Small Compact - $189.00
Computer - (should already have one right, need a burner TDK the shit)
Mic - $130.00
Cables - $200.00 (may be less if you already got some)

Hardware Total $2,030 bucks

Software - Cubase SX $300

Total $2,330 shipping / taxes = something round $2,500 what do you know

* Download some free sounds and start making beatz
(I have a 5 threads on Downloads For Sounds To Get You Started)

ftp://ftp.akaipro.co.jp/downloads/sound ... MPC2000XL/

Also dont forget some good monitors and maybe you could look at some of the LE protools solutions. I know cats who bought a MP and a 001 package and are making it work on a very professional level. also, I know cats with the Mbox and they are not complaining, it all depends on what you want to do. As for digidesign stuff, they intergrated control surfaces and preamps into the 002, and now have a rack 002... also, there are some software packages that either include control surfaces, or can use small midi control surfaces. the more you can get as a package, the more you save.
PS- Vst plugins are cheaper than RTAS and audio suite for tools, keep that in mind when you make your initial decision, it will matter later!
PPS- And get the extra memory for the MP... it will behoove you. There are a lot of little hidden costs to watch out for, spend wisely and you won't have to spend later.