I am a student and I can neither afford an acoustic piano nor fit one in my apartment. I am just starting out and want a digital piano that is as close to an acoustic in feel and sound. I don’t want onboard speakers, I have some really nice mini monitors that I would like to hook up to the piano, is this possible? My budget is limited to about $500 street price. I also have a Notebook computer if there is software out there…I don’t know what this is for or what you do with it, I have just seen people talking about it


Thanks!

take a look at Casio PX100 thread, that's $500 at Best Buy.

Yup, what signa says!

If acoustic-style action is important to you, just keep away from such portables as Yamaha's DGX-500 and its newest sibling, the DGX-505. The synth-style of these keyboards (and many 76-key portables) may not be conducive to classical training since the action is too light. Seasoned players may like them as an extra keyboard for variety, but for those just starting out -- such as yourself -- the weighted feel can be more of a benefit.

As far as I can tell, the Casio PX100 seems to have nice action and acceptable piano sounds, all in an advertised 30-pound package. Just IMHO...

I checked out the Casio, looks like a nice little unit. Is this the best buy for around $500 give or take a bit?

i don't know if other brands have such a deal. $500 gives you a very limited range for a digital with weighted keys. the cheapest Yamaha digital with weighted keys is P60 which is over $700.

Try the Yamaha P-90. It has better sound and touch than the P-60, and is cheaper than the P-120 because it has no speakers. I imagine you can find it for 900 or so. I hear it's very similar to the P-120, which I have and enjoy a lot. If that price is impossible, try the P-60. It's probably down to around 500 by now.

For you, I would reccomend the Yamaha P60.