I have a chance to switch gear: My mono Evolver keyboard and my Virus TI - for A Polyevolver keyboard and an Akai S5000.

Is the Akai S5000 sampler from 1999 any good? Does it make any sense to use a sampler like that in 2009, after sampling is done through software?
Is it any good as a sample player - and are there any new sample banks for it - or is it all old stuff?

It has the same memory as the Nord EX series.

That's not a compliment to the Nord BTW.

If you have a bunch of Akai or convertible 90s sample libraries like Ensoniq ASR stuff maybe.

Personally I'd sell it in a heartbeat but that doesn't mean it can't be useful to you.

This specific item has an internal hard disk of 20 giga + usb connection (upgrade) so you can drag samples from the computer.
Question is - are there any sample\sound banks for it that are worth something?

Based on what you've posted in the 2+ years you've been here, I'm going to suggest that this is something you should pass on.

The Akai S5000 is worth something if used in conjunction with a computer. Potentially, it could duplicate soundset and reduce schlep.

However, if you program sounds and/or gigs requires a more hands-on approach to sound shaping in real-time, the S5000 isn't the right tool.

While the S5000 is still supported by software companies and a loyal users group, in this case, I would follow Sven's advice.

The person is probably paying you to take the S5000. I have a Yamaha A5000 sampler I would love to sell but for what they are going for it is not work the hassle of Ebay and UPS.