It's a plug-in, so you'll need to run a host program (I use Sonar, Cubase, and ACID- they all support it). Basically anything that handles VST instruments will do it, and that includes some freeware and shareware if you're worried about having to pay for another piece of software.

2. Is this product worth buying ?

Yes, if you love Mellotron sounds it's probably the best way to get 'em (though I use a free plug-in called Tapeworm that's pretty good)

3. Does it sound fairly close to an authentic Mellotron ?

If you compare them side by side, you might be able to tell the difference...but we're talking about minute anal differences. You could fool almost anyone with it.

4. Do you have a keyboard attached to the computer to run it ?

No, you can audition sounds right from the keyboard on the plug-in or trigger it with the host program's sequencer.

thanks for your time

just for comparison, here's the Tapeworm link (it doesn't have an on-screen keyboard though):

http://www.tweakbench.com/instruments.php?id=6 - http://www.tweakbench.com/instruments.php?id=6

For a basic (and free) VST host, try this one:

http://www.tobybear.de/p_minihost.html - http://www.tobybear.de/p_minihost.html

it looks like it does exactly what you want (and not much more). I believe any VST instrument can be loaded up within the host and played onscreen using the virtual keyboard.

Yep, Tapeworm is a VST instrument too. I know for a fact that I can get a dead ringer for the "Starless" sound, but it's been more tricky trying to get it to do a convincing "Watcher of the Skies"...and "Siberian Khatru" has me a little stumped. 

Ankaret:

most modern keyboards have a MIDI connection...MIDI allows you to 'play' completely different equipment with the same keyboard. It's as easy as that; the MIDI interface reads the notes that you're playing and sends them to whatever destination you're connected to.

On a PC, it can be any of thousands of software synthesizers, samplers and emulators, some of which sound very authentic. Check out the "plug-ins" thread for some more info.

Well, my computer doesn't have a MIDI in anywhere, it's a VAIO pc (the one I record on anyway) and it's got onboard sound, so I don't think it's got a MIDI input at all (I looked, didn't see any).  Do they make some kind of MIDI/USB adapters or something?! Or would I have to buy a seperate MIDI capable soundcard?!

There are several USB keyboards available, and also joystick-to-MIDI adapters, and USB to MIDI adapters (I use one, a "Midiman Midisport 2x2"). If you've got any kind of holes in your PC at all, chances are you can connect a keyboard in some way.

Also, another question, Ive been looking into getting a vocoder/synthesizer, but one geared more towards rock and more generic "keyboard" type uses, rather than a crazy wigged out hip hop / dance music techno effects sort of deal. The two Ive been looking at are the miniKorg and this other Alesis one which are in the same price range and Ive actually played the Korg at the store and liked it quite a bit, though there was a lot of unneeded stuff as I described, and I couldn't find any sort of organ/mellotron sounds on it or anything. What do you guys think  of these, and is there something better I should look at in this price range?!

(the Korg) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_id/85645 - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/bas e_id/85645

(The Alesis) http://http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/deta il/base_pid/705522/ - http://http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/search/deta il/base_pid/705522/

I like the microKorg/ MS2000B a lot...I'm not sure which Alesis you looked at because your link didn't work for me. A lot of the new vocoder-equipped keyboards are pretty dance-oriented (I like the Novation K-station especially) but they should be able to do what you want. I use the vocoder built into my Boss SE50 effects (cheap and decent quality) and an Opcode Fusion Vocoder plug-in.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Cool, but I will for sure have to get a cable/adapter that has a MIDI out from the keyboard am I correct?! I can't just line-in my keyboard and have it pickup as MIDI right?!

I guess Ill toy around with the microKORG some more at the store before buying it, but thanks for the help, it's greatly appreciated. (got any samples of what your vocoder setup sounds like?)