http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/XSessionPro-main.html

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/big/x_session_pro.jpg)

is this thing cool, or is it little more than a toy?

its much better than its predecessor, but haven't had a chance to check it out.

Not according to Stryke. I'd still like to play with one though. I can't imagine it being any worse than say the trigger finger. Although... what software were you going to use with it? That will make a difference in my opinion ;)

Ableton. I have fallen in love with it. I'd just like some kind of controller for it so it doesn't look like i'm checking my email on stage.

If ableton, then don't get that. You need something that's very flexible. You should get a trigger finger instead. You have 8 knobs and 4 sliders which would be perfect for djing with "2 decks". That's what I'm using with ableton. The pads are used to trigger the tracks and you will also be able to use them to trigger FX. It's just the most flexible tool for the money.  You can get a refurbished one for about $150. You could also get a UC-33e which is what Oneel uses. That sucker rocks as well.

I just would not get the x-session. It's more for programs like traktor, torq and deckadance where the software tries to emulate a real dj setup.

I use a BCR2000 w/ a Trigger Finger and I love both

you can probably do most with a Trigger Finger but I like the BCR2000 because it accepts Midi feedback for the LED Rotaries and Buttons and they update when you click on different stuff in ableton...

The X Session Pro is fine,  but if you're serious about using Ableton,  you'll quickly find out it's not enough.  You're going to want to do more as you gain experience. 

My perfect setup is the UC-33e with a trigger finger.  Also,  the Behringer BCR2000 seems to be a very popular controller within the Ableton community.  Basically,  you're going to want lots of knobs,  sliders and buttons.

and... you don't want them labeled Start and stop ;) It's about flexibility.

Now... down the road, I can see an x-session pro and 2 trigger fingers. That way, you could do a more traditional DJ hardware setup. It's not needed and is total over kill, but it might help the crowd relate to you better as a more "Traditional" DJ. Give than all 3 can be purchased for less than a new Pioneer CD deck, it's not a bad investment.

So you'd effectively have each trigger finger controlling a separate "channel" on the x-session pro then?

Yup. You would also be able to have each one control multiple FX and each button could be FX triggers or clip start points. Then knobs and sliders on the TF's would be tied directly to the attributes of the FX and so on. Each TF would be a CD Deck and FX rack this way. Kinda nice huh?

I love my setup, once I can get a laptop powerful enough, I'll be running Ableton and FS or Traktor Scratch with my two turntables and a mixes to control Ableton and mix my turntables.

i found a couple of good deals on triggerfingers on ebay, so i'll try to talk the wife into letting me spend the money :)

just keep in mind that you just need 1. 2 just makes you look cool ;) Start with one and see if you want to add a second.