Hi Jon,
I took the plunge and bought an ION a couple weeks ago. It was on back order, but should be arriving on my doorstep tomorrow or Friday. :^)
I bought it based on the features, sounds off the web, the cost, and the generally great reviews it has received, both from the press and early owners. I paid less than $700US for mine, through a music store I have used for a long time. (The going rate seems to be around $730-750US, delivered; people like zZ and MF have them for $799 and free shipping.)
The only area of concern is the keyboard. Alesis has been notorious for synths with mediocre keyboards. When you say that the keyboard is "rubbish," can you elaborate? What didn't you like? Is it similar to the AN1x keyboard (that many owners seem to hate)?
Regards,
-BW
--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™
http://music.ashbysolutions.com978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@...