Depends whether you've had some training in piano playing, because two octaves aren't gonna be enough if you have at least some skill on the keys... Maybe you need a bigger octave range just for experimentation? However, if two octaves are enough and you basically just want to program some bass or lead lines on there, the Oxygen8 is the way to go - I have it and it rocks!!! Some people I know use Edirol controllers, but for the price, Oxygen8 is a smart buy and has some real value to it - it's small and practical and ideal for use with a laptop on the go... :love: