the 1000 is ok. The thing I came to realize was that since it doesn't really do anything special you're better off just using an mpd-16 with your DAW software of choice.
I traded mine for a 60 since as I said, the 1000 doesn't really do anything you can't do with an mpd and a DAW. I am happy to say I'm quite pleased. The 60 sounds amazing, and there are plenty of easy ways to work around the limitations. People say that it's the beat maker and not the machine. I agree, but this still SOUNDS a lot better. It's not going to make wack beats good, but it'll make good beats better (at least sonically).
Also the 1000 doesn't have the shift timing feature that lets you shift every hit in increments earlier or later. I used to have to do this manually and I recall the 1000 crashing all the time when I used step edit. Now that I have a 60 which comes with the feature, it's quick and easy to experiment with different timings (and this is like the best feature on any mpc I've come to realize, better than swing).
Plus the 1000 feels like it'll fall apart after a few years. I also don't think akai is too hot to keep fixing/upgrading the software because then there will be no reason to buy the 2500. Whereas the 60 is a tank. I have used a 1000, a 2000, a 2000xl, and a 2500 and they all felt like toys ready to snap compared to this.
My point, can you make beats with the 1000? Sure. Is it worth 900 dollars? Only if you're going to trade it for a 60.