Just to be clear, the Akai Synthstation has batteries, I'm not sure about other models. My old Roland P200 had batteries but the A 49 does not. 
And I totally agree about avoiding USB powered devices if at all possible. But as I said,  so far I've had no issues after a year and 2 different computers. I use the USB 3.0 port which supposedly was made to supply more juice. But my older computer I used up until Dec. was only USB 2. After all, there is nothing else drawing power from my USB buss. All other devices have their own power. 
Interface and digital drums are wall wart, Keyboard and mouse have batteries. 

Thanks again-
I was\am looking at the Novation Launchkey 25 and 49. Big , big plus for me is it's bus powered and ac adapter powered-just what I wanted. I like the brand name also. I still lean towards the 25 due to footprint and my desktop (actual, not windows) is limited.
 
I created many bass lines and drum sequences with my lowly evilution and it's only 25 keys.
 
Anyway, thanks again- you folks are great!
 
Frank (Stratman)
 
 

 

If key feel is important to you, bump up to the Impulse. I have two impulses I use and they are fantastic boards. The LaunchKey felt cheap to me.

If you make extensive use of Komplete, the Komplete Kontrol series is really nice.
Fatar key-bed... and solid build (very similar button/knobs to Maschine).
It's super convenient to be able to browse thru Komplete directly from the Keyboard.
 
The new Akai Advance units (not released yet) also look really good.
Similar features to Komplete Kontrol... but more support for 3rd-party instruments.
 
I don't want to speak too soon... but it looks like we're in a "renaissance period" for MIDI keyboard controllers.
Higher quality hardware... with a lot more attention focused on integration with software
 

Yeah, I was enthused about the Arturia KeyLab 88 for that reason, but I'll keep reading reviews. There are so many libraries using Kontakt 5 that it seems I should think about heading that way at some point.
Michael

The M-audio Axioms are pretty cheap if you don't mind buying second hand. The main reason i bought one of CL for 50$ is the semi weighted keys. Almost new condition. I got the guy to lower it a little because he lost the ac adapter and I made a big deal out of it even though i knew i would never use it. =P
 
Pads are a little stiff (i think?), but respond well. Semiweighted feels WORLDS better than the no action midi boards on cheaper midi players.

I looked at the impulse's from novation-this is not about $$$ btw, it's about desktop footprint (25 keys) and ac power.
 
The impulses do "not" have ac power but the launch key does? weird to me. guess it's a cost factor for novation. I could use a usb power adapter with the impulse 25 but I don't know if that hurts (degrades) the capabilities of the keyboard. Using midi out and in. Plus I don't really have any midi ports available.
 
I will look at the mauido axiom as mentioned also.
 
But I feel like I am going to end up with the launchkey 25-ac power input and small footprint.
 
Remember folks-we are only talking bass lines and some drums. mostly bass lines
 
Thanks again for all the responses :-) 

Unlike Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards have absolutely no reference. Producers are free to make whatever they want, not only in terms of number of keys but also in keys size (length as well, even when the width is "full size") and the feeling.
 
I recommend to visit some store and check what is better for you. Test that you can control velocity and you do not damage you fingers in continuous use. That is personal. For example, while piano player, I prefer short length not weighted Roland action over semi-weighted Akai or M-Audio.
 
I do not think that as a guitar player you will search a guitar by the number of strings and connector placement, ignoring the type
 

The Novation Impulse has the heaviest "semi-weighted" action I've ever experienced in a board.  It was too heavy for my style, but certainly heavier than most non-weighted controllers.

azslow3
Unlike Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards have absolutely no reference. Producers are free to make whatever they want, not only in terms of number of keys but also in keys size (length as well, even when the width is "full size") and the feeling.
 
I recommend to visit some store and check what is better for you. Test that you can control velocity and you do not damage you fingers in continuous use. That is personal. For example, while piano player, I prefer short length not weighted Roland action over semi-weighted Akai or M-Audio.
 
I do not think that as a guitar player you will search a guitar by the number of strings and connector placement, ignoring the type
 

agreed. He brings about a good point. I only got the m-audio because it was in my price range. I already regret it only due to the fact that I got the 25 key. As a piano student 2 octaves just isn't enough.

I just wish I had the budget for more options. I'd rather spend that huge chunk of money on some software package. Omnisphere 2 is coming out soon and kontakt 5 ultimate is on my list of must haves.

Also I can't seem to find anything good and used under 200$