MIDI Controllers?

Question:I am looking for something like a piano but portable. So an electric keyboard would work. I have a laptop so a USB compatible MIDI controller would also work. It has to be 88 keys and it has to be under $200 after shipping.

I am not going to be a rock star so it does not need to be high end. It just has to work and not fall apart 5 minutes after getting it out of the box.

Does anyone know any makes and models that would fit this criteria?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am looking for something like a piano but portable. So an electric keyboard would work. I have a laptop so a USB compatible MIDI controller would also work. It has to be 88 keys and it has to be under $200 after shipping.

I am not going to be a rock star so it does not need to be high end. It just has to work and not fall apart 5 minutes after getting it out of the box.

Does anyone know any makes and models that would fit this criteria?

Your pickings are going to be incredibly slim since you need 88 keys and have such a budgetary constraint. Nothing in that price range is going to be weighted either.
Your best bet is the M Audio Keystation 88es -it sells for $199 and I'm sure if you dig you can find it with free shipping.

I bought this midi controller http://www.thomann.de/gb/m-audio_keystat... three years ago - its piano sized, excellent action in the keys, light enough to be carried around (I might advise finding a case for it somewhere if your to transport it a lot mind you) - and for ￡150 (about $280 - which is a wee bit out your price range mind you)

Comes with a meter or two of USB cable, but I'd buy a longer once personally, doesn't come with a stand - but you can buy one from the same site, and they aren't too expensive there are so called 'creative bundles' (which are more like 'common sense bundles' or 'kinda useful groups of items' but never mind ;) )listed on the page. I buy a lot of stuff from there - mainly sax equipment and music stands/cases.

My keyboard has lasted me for the last three years in near enough daily usage, still very clean, the keys haven't yellowed nor lost their action and it hasn't caught fire or exploded yet - I'd advise it personally, but theres a whole world of keyboards out there don't forget!