Akai S20 Phrase Sampler

[Cummings <r_t_cummings@csi.com>]

Hello loopers,

I'm considering buying an affordable sampler (with drum machine
sequencer) in the somewhat distant future. How is the S20 from Akai? I'd
love to hear from anyone whose used this or another product in the same
price range. How flexible is the drum programming? Does the 32 kHz max.
sampling rate cut it? Is it reliable live?

Important: How do you prepare samples for it - i.e. how difficult is it
to convert sound files from a PC format to the Akai 'S' format?

Thanks in advance for any input,
Rob