Reason might be the upcoming 'underdog' and not so much a big boys toy, but compared to functionality, complexity and performance it is very equal to for example the direct competitor, Cubase. Neither of them is 'easy' to understand if you have no (electronic) musical background what so ever or never experimented with a sequencer. Cubase and Reason are studio production environments while Ableton and Logic are more interactive tools suitable for live performances. Mmmm, can't really agree on the above, all four packages have a different approach in making music. Live, Cubase and Logic are the 'big boys toys' and although they are usable by beginners, you'll probably find it easier to start with Reason.
