I can get the 808 for the same price as the 404. Is it worth it?

it really depends on what u need from the machine. if u want a built in sequencer without having to use a comp then 808 but if thats not a need of yours then the 404's features far outweigh the 808's

I've never used a sampler before, or made beats(probably messed around with garageband for a few minutes but that's it lol), but I don't have a computer of my own, so I guess this might be better. But what features does the 404 have that the 808 doesn't have?

the 404 uses cf cards to store data while the 808 uses zip disks which are much slower n harder to find in retail stores. the load times r a lot quicker on the 404 due to the storage medium. but not to bash the 808 it has some killer fx and the sequencers not to shabby. if u can grasp the machine without getting lost in the manual which isn't written to great, u could definitely have a blast on it as well. take a look at some of the videos on the link below to get a glimpse of some of the things capable with the 808. autochopp does some cool ish with that machine. check out the 808 section on the forum if u haven't already as well as the 404 section for some more info. also jbl on these forums is a 808 user so he would definitely know tons more then i would seeing as i don't own one. hope this helps homie. if anyone else wants to chime in with some advice that would be great hehe

http://www.youtube.com/user/AUTOCHOPP