Pocket operator (particularly the KO) is the single thing other than maybe the OP-Z that I think has enough creative utility relative to its price to not feel like glorified furniture.
Any used Akai device. Depending on how old I would say get them the new standalone device called the mpc one+. If the price is too steep look for a used midi device from Akai.
Honesty, a used cell phone would make a better pocket operator.
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Discussions at release (2023) - (171 points, 194 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35906292
(43 points, 27 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35899498
That discussion contains:
As someone considering buying a pocket operator for his son: How true is this? What are decent alternatives for PO?Pocket operator (particularly the KO) is the single thing other than maybe the OP-Z that I think has enough creative utility relative to its price to not feel like glorified furniture.
I enjoyed mine a lot / made a lot with it!
It’s not true of their cheaper products, the POs especially.
The EP series are also good bang for buck.
The OP series, along with the TP-7, TX-6 are luxury goods. If you’re trying to save money, they’re not for you. They are nice though.
Any used Akai device. Depending on how old I would say get them the new standalone device called the mpc one+. If the price is too steep look for a used midi device from Akai.
Honesty, a used cell phone would make a better pocket operator.
Get your kid a Zynthian instead:
http://zynthian.org/
.. a far better investment, with way more utility for the forward-thinking electronic-music making youngster ..
Thanks for the link !
I would have loved that device in my teens.
In fact reckon I'll buy one for my nephew.
Cheers