Creating music on your computer

[CountZero]

So I've been using a demo version of Fruity Loops for a while now and I'm really liking and I'm thinking of actually buying the full version.

My questions are 1) Between the $99 and $149 version is it worth the extra $50? I definitely like the piano roll function so it has to be the $99 version at least.
2) Any comparable software around the same price that is as flexible? The VSTi and DXi support seem to make it one of the more flexible options especially at the price range.
3) Midi controllers/keyboards, any entry level recommendations?
4) Sound card reccomendations?
5) Any decent sites to peruse with maybe reviews and/or forums?

Thanks for any help. If it matters my interest lie in DnB/industrialish music.

 

[deftron]

Cool Edit aka Adobe Audition

 

[thomsbrain]

these aren't exactly for starting, but here's my 2 cents for music software in general:

depends on what you want to do. if you want to make music with samples, Acid Pro is the way to go. really easy to use and sounds good. if you want to work with "real" music (people actually playing instruments or singing), then Pro Tools is pretty much the standard.

 

[ChappyChaps11]

sonic forge makes great stuff not sure of costs tho