[sdiy] friends don't let friends buy dope-fur!

[Reverend djbluE]

okay, a pal of mine wants to buy this:
http://www.doepfer.com/pc.htm
it's basically a midi control box with 16 knobs that are assigned and
programed via a PC so you can control your softsynth etc with real
knobs... it's $155.00  

does anybody have any suggestions as to an alternative staying under
the same price, so my friend doesn't have to buy from this
manufacturer?
or would this be a fine thing to purchase?

-ben