The electribe's not that bad, but it depends on what type
of music you're doing and what you want to do with it. For
me, I don't think it pumps out enough bass, but if it did
that, then it would just be another 909 clone. The main
thing about the ER1 is that it's DIFFERENT, it's not your
average clone beatbox. The sounds on the ER1 are more
electro sounding (bleeps, and the type). Like what ManoOne
said, pass this up for the ES1 if you want to be able to
program samples or have drums that are more organic.

If you're familiar with the the 909/808/or even rebirth,
the ER-1 works the same way (step programming). Creating
beats with this is relatively easy. It has two audio-in's
that you can use 'thru' or program it into patterns. There
are plenty of programable banks (4 banks with 64 patterns
each), you can also buy smartmedia cards to store more.
Another thing intresting about the ER1 is that you can
tweak a lot of the sounds into whatever you want. THere's
plenty of knobs. One thing that bothers me is that they're
so damn sensitive. (ie. you twist waveform a little too
much, and you get a whole different sound).

Like I said before, the ER1's a matter of tastes. I don't
recommend using this thing live, the channels don't stay
mute when you change patterns, which gets VERY ANNOYING.
The er1's best kept at a studio enviroment. If I were given
a chance to buy it again, I would pass it up for the ES1. I
bought the ER1 before the ES1 was even announced.
Definately check out both the ER1 and ES1 before you buy.
See if you like how they sound.

You might want to check out the MC-303, I've seen those
things being sold used for under $300. Also, look for the
ER1 used online (not on ebay though!). you might find a
really good deal on them.

woah! long post...
hope this helps,
-tohdols