Re: [linux-audio-user] MIDI keyboard recommendations?

Hi all! New to the list! I am a music lover but know nothing about actual "music". I know computers and have been in linux for several years (Mepis debian for the last year and a half) and I have a relatively powerful desktop with an SB Live! Platinum that features MIDI in/out in the "live drive" portion. I'm searching ebay for good deals on a hobby level keyboard that will allow me to explore my musical ideas as well as provide a decent learning enviroment with which to actually *learn* how to "play" (should I find the time and ambition). Some of the google searchs I've read seem to be of the opinion that USB MIDI under linux is not yet ready for prime time. Would my live drive (with MIDI ports) suffice if this is the case? Should I be looking at add-on cards? What might be a good choice for a first MIDI keyboard on a hobby budget and what sort of flaming hoops can I expect to jump through in regards to getting drivers and such in place? I've been considering some of the Edirol products. Will all the extra knobs and sliders be useful under linux or this a waste of money? Any and all recommendations would be gladly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Jon Hoskins Washington State, USA