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I am on a budget of about £150 and need a portable keyboard to take to gigs with both realistic-ish piano sounds and some synth sounds too.
I have a laptop but no keyboard, would it be best to get a midi/usb keyboard or some sort of synthesizer?
I would much prefer if the keys had some weight to them, because I am used to playing a real piano. Would this be possible on a budget?
Based on your question I'd recommend a keyboard controller and a midi-connected laptop.
You can choose the key action you prefer and you can achieve many different sounds via software.
Regarding keyboard action; I'm more concerned with good dynamic detection and snap-back but you may be most interested in key weight. I've played a lot of piano but piano action is often a bit sluggish for my taste.
Also consider that you'll need to protect the laptop and give some thought to how you'll set everything up so that you'll be less likely to knock it over. Sounds obvious, but very important.
Look for a second-hand electric piano with some other sounds. A laptop is nothing but a nuisance on a gig.
SP5500. Branded under at least 4 different names, Thomann sell it. 88 note, not too bad action, loads of sounds. More than £150, I'm afraid, but probably the cheapest half decent 'board for the money. Try Ebay.
