I just got my 1000 about a week ago and one of the pads ( top left ) is very low responsive. I'm thinking about fixing it in the future, but I'm not freaking out right now. I got mine used, so I kinda expected something like this, but it's not a big deal to fix, just read the sticky:
http://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=45209
You don't have to solder anything, just glue some paper to the pads. You have to open your 1000 to install the HD so why not go a step farther and get your pad fixed once every few years. New pad is about $20 to replace, but fixing it can give you similar results.
Spend another G if you want super-reliable pads and tilt screen. But if you want a basic mpc, something to learn on, compact and loaded with features, 1000 can't be beat. I almost got the mpc60, but then I read about USB and HardDrive and I was sold. You can get 2 mpc1000s and a nice mixer for the price of 1 2500, now how many pads and outputs is that? $1000 is a lot of money for better pads and a tilt screen, too much for me. Save your money and go with 1000, you will get the same results.