Roland Octapad questions

[beaverbiscuit]

Hey, my first post in this forum . Thanks for letting guitarists in here!

Got some questions about the Roland Octapad:

First, what exactly does it do? I gather that it's a trigger of some sort using MIDI, but I haven't been able to find jack about it online.

Second, how useful would it be for a guitarist who has no drumming skills whatsoever? I'll be working in Sonar and eventually using a lot of MIDI and software synthesis to create my music.

Third, is $50 a fair price for a used one? My brother has a contact who wants to sell his, but I'm trying to find out as much as possible before I commit.

Thanks for your help.