Phrase Sampling/Looping/Slowing Question

[RJB]

As someone who is still aspiring to play only badly, I'm intrigued by the G-DEC with it's digital phrase sampler and slower/downer. Now as I already have an amp modeler and small practice amp it seems a waste to get the G-DEC just for that.

So after some searching I found the software "Amazing Slower Downer". This does pretty much just what I need. Grab a bit of a piece of music, loop it, and slow it down, so I can try to figure out how to play it. The only disavantage is the computer is in a different room than the guitar stuff. Spouse perfers it that way.

So what I'm looking for is a "slower downer" pedal if you will. The only items I've come up with are:

1) The Tascam Guitar Trainer. Which is a combination CD player, headphone amp, and pitch/speed controller. The price isn't bad, but I already have a nice Sony CD deck hooked into the rig.

2) C-tech Chop Shop. Which is a headphone amp, digital phrase sampler with 4 speed playback. Price is very cheap, and is almost exactly what I've looking for. Any one ever use this, or know of anything similar?

All I'm familiar with from C-Tech is their 'Pokect-Rocket'. A 'Rockman' headphone amp knock off.

[RandomHero]

The Boss RC20XL has the ability to change recorded samples (even from CDs and the like) to a different tempo without altering the pitch. It sounds a bit like there's a tremolo on the whole piece when it's done, but I don't know if that can be avoided, as it also doesn't alter pitch.

Definitely not worth the $300 if that's all you wanna use it for, but I'll almost guarantee that it won't be.

[GuyaGuy]

is that a "Pocket Rocket" or are you just happy to see me?
err...
i know there are units out there made specifically for play-a-long training but i don;t have experience w/ them. here's what i do know about:
.
the BOSS RC20XL is good stuff as RH said and a looper's dream--good for writing stuff too.
the LINE 6 DL4 delay pedal has a looper that can 1/2 the speed. i had one and if i remember correctly it also takes the tone down 1 octave.
you can also try ZOOM multi FX units like the GFX-8 or the 2100. both have loopers with speed controling. the GFX-8 can be had for less than $200 and the 2100 for next to nuttin honey.