[gnabgib]

Discussions at release (2023) - (171 points, 194 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35906292

(43 points, 27 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35899498

[hyperman1]

That discussion contains:

  TE have perfected milking hipsters to perfection

As someone considering buying a pocket operator for his son: How true is this? What are decent alternatives for PO?

[krrishd]

Pocket operator (particularly the KO) is the single thing other than maybe the OP-Z that I think has enough creative utility relative to its price to not feel like glorified furniture.

I enjoyed mine a lot / made a lot with it!

[hug]

It’s not true of their cheaper products, the POs especially.

The EP series are also good bang for buck.

The OP series, along with the TP-7, TX-6 are luxury goods. If you’re trying to save money, they’re not for you. They are nice though.

[millzlane]

Any used Akai device. Depending on how old I would say get them the new standalone device called the mpc one+. If the price is too steep look for a used midi device from Akai.

Honesty, a used cell phone would make a better pocket operator.

[aa-jv]

Get your kid a Zynthian instead:

http://zynthian.org/

.. a far better investment, with way more utility for the forward-thinking electronic-music making youngster ..

[oddmade]

Thanks for the link !

I would have loved that device in my teens.

In fact reckon I'll buy one for my nephew.

Cheers