each person you ask is gonna give you a different answer. all these cats telling you to stick with software are telling you that because it's what works for THEM.
i use an mpc60/s950 setup and i couldn't be happier. to me, it definitely has a distinctive sound. that old skool low-fi 12-bit crunch just can't be matched by any software i've heard. if you ask me, i'd say go for it, especially if it's $100.
technically, the gear might be a bit outdated... BUT like someone said above, with enough vision and creativity it can be used forever. the thing is built like a damn tank.
efficiency-wise, yeah editing/chopping on the s950 can be a bit slow, but i've been using mine long enough that it's no longer an issue.
personally i prefer twisting knobs, pushing buttons and beating on pads to clicking a mouse and staring at a computer screen, but that's me.
at the end of the day, the software/hardware debate is irrelevant. it's all YOU and YOUR STYLE that's gonna dictate what kind of music you produce... the gear is just the means to bring your ideas to fruition.
do your research, figure out what style/sound you're going for, what method you think you prefer, and decide for yourself. that's my advice.