Here is more on the AKAI APC40 controller I was talking about yesterday. It has been designed to work with Ableton Live but will work to control other programs as well. Check out this video below for a walk through of how to use this new baby.
Also more info in my post from yesterday:
New Ableton LIVE 8.0 + Suite 8.0 - New features, Max for Live, Sharing,Looper, Dedicated controller, Operator Overhaul, and AKAI Gear...........
http://www.ableton.com/
http://www.ableton.com/touch
http://www.akaipro.com/en/index.php