Donnie:

Reason reminds of the synths, drum machines, step sequencers and effects from the 80's with modern additions and conveniences. It's easy to use... you have a virtual empty rack, and you generally start with a mixer (click on an open space and a menu pops up of what can go in the rack). You add any device from there: drum machines, synths, sample-playback devices or loop players as you go. Every time you add a synth it automatically gets connected to the virtual mixer - and when you press the TAB key the entire rack spins around to show you the virtual cables and backs of the devices, which look as remarkably real as the front. After each instrument you can add effects which are also routed for you. It's very intuitive and you're limited only by your computer's memory as to how many virtual devices you can use in your rack (a lot). Once you've sequenced your instruments and automated the mix, you can export the final file as a WAV or MP3.

I'm still impressed with the quality and usefullness of the synths and samples that come with Reason, but the sky is the limit for adding instrument sounds/samples (called Refills). I recently got a pack of refills called Omnisoundz GM so that Reason can import and use my library of GM files (unfortunately it doesn't respond to program changes - I hope they fix that - but you can change them manually in Reason and save the file). I especially enjoy using Reason with my laptop and Edirol PCR-1. High BFTB and cool factor.