Moon,
My Alesis Ion is not even semi-weighted..in fact,the action is terrible,but I still have it to this day,because aside from the flimsy key-bed,the Alesis has alot to offer in other features & it was quite a bargain price-wise,so that's more important.
Yes,the Novation key-bed's are nice action-wise,but I paid $400 for that synth & the key-bed turned out to be really flimsy in terms of durablity,so I returned it.
Yes,the M-Audio controller I mentioned was very inexpensive,but then again,compared to the Novation,the M-Audio is just an empty shell(no built in sounds) & plus,the M-Audio I referred to is only 25 keys,so it makes sense that it would be cheap,but still perhaps good build quality.
If the M-Audio was available to demo at my local music store down the street,I would certainly have a look at it first,but only the SamAsh & GuitarCenter carries them,& they're both a hour's ride from my home...just not worth the trip for a small,cheap item.
Besides,I am really not too keen on making a serious purchase on a controller,as I just want to get my feet wet in the world of pc recording & I may discover down the road,that I prefer hardware recording altogether.
I am not re-arranging anything else in my studio,or getting an extra pc monitor...all I want is some input on a 25 key controller,and whatever I decide to buy,there is zero risk with buying from Zzounds online,because thier 30 return policy is excellent.
I really do appreciate your well intentioned advice & suggestions,but I am quite set on my decision to buy a small controller,so I'm going to stick with it.
Thanks,
-Thom