Which Kaoss or some other sampler?

[AbjectEvolution]

I am interested in triggering and affecting samples in real time. I have an electronic band that dabbles in Triphop, Synthpop, and is experimental. Our beats are currently electronic but we're thinking about bringing in a real drummer. It would be cool to trigger electronic beats to go along with the acoustic drums or other samples. Another option is to not bring in a real drummer at all and do the beats 100% electronic.

I have been looking at a Kaoss pad due to being able to affect samples with my finger... or I could hook it up to my Venom or Nord Piano as an effects processor of some sort. I like that I have some options with it.

On the other hand I have seen samples used in bands like NIN and Radiohead... and I'm interested in awesome electronic beats that I can sample and affect in real time.

Should I get a Kaoss pad? Should I get something else? Thanks for any suggestion. Oh and I'm looking for $500 or under right now.

[AbjectEvolution]

Well I didn't get any responses but did some more research and bought a KP3. I'll get a Kaossilator sometime in January as well.

Now I need a small synth to go with them which I made a different thread for.

So for this thread, what I need help on is picking a sampler. I would rather get a stand alone sampler that I can store my own samples on and trigger them without hooking it up to a computer. I don't mind hooking it up to a computer to use software to load and edit samples but I would like to perform on stage without a computer if possible.

I plan on also buying an iPad 3 next year when they come out.