akai apc20
looks like akai is downsizing the apc40 to compete with the launchpad
great catch dude, Im keeping my eye out for that!
looks very sweet
From Akai Press Article:
“The APC20 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00.”
Thats a fair price for what you get. My only gripe is that the unit has no dedicated clip navigation like the APC40 does. But hey, at that price cut, and size, I can’t complain!
one of these and a BCR2000 for eqs and effects would suit me down to the ground.
Same price as the novation launchpad, interestinggg
with real faders…
Ha I hope novations response is to go the other direction…
Give me a mass produced cheap monome 256 for ableton…
Only missing a crossfader on this one. 
I owned an APC40 and sold it due to the lag that the LED ring feedback on the knobs caused. To those who own one and don’t know what Im talking about, move 3 or more faders at the same time, watch what happens on screen to any faders after the first two.
With that portion of the APC removed, the latency issues might be resolved for me.
But yeah, that sucks the crossfader got removed. I also wish that it was USB powered.
Urgh… Two (controller)powercords, if I would use it next to my BCR. 
The Akai APC20 is the second control surface created by Akai Professional for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.
It seems AKAI are short on knobs. The new MPD26 has less knobs than 24, and the best part of the APC40 for me was the knobs! You really need some rotaries for proper control of Ableton.
The fact that APC20 requires external power makes it a poor product compared to Launchpad. The puny faders don’t do it IMO