Software Sequencers?

I know with Sequencers like Reason and FL Studio there are shed loads of plugins e.t.c, I am not interested in the in built synth's, drum machines because I prefer hardware but what is the best software sequencer for simply editing/managing tracks?

sony acid? ableton live? mackie tracktor?

As I am a student spending 200 quid plus on a sequencer is pretty big so I need some persuading on why I should Sony acid e.t.c., what makes certain sequencers stand out, what are the pro's and con's?

for simply editing/mixing most straightforward was sony acid for me. last time i looked reaper was kinda similar and its almost for free. demo version never expires and only has a nagscreen for some seconds when you start it up.

to mix with hardware its ableton live.. i think it goes well together.. because you can 1)control hw synths with the alble sequencer or visa versa. 2)sync up mp3s/.wavs so it'll all be synced

thats about it really...