Ok, aside from all the answers above given, to answer your question about drum synths or samplers; there's quite a few of them (if still you want to use the midi drums), which one to use is also a matter of how much you want to spend. Right now Cakewalk is offering the Session drummer 2 sampler as a download for $10.00 (they came up with version 3 bundled with Sonar), also you can get from them the "Studio Instruments" sampler which includes electric base, electric piano, strings, and yes drums(pretty decent sound), offering a whole bunch of kits, patches and so on for $20.00 (normally $50.00). You also have the Toontracks EZDrummer family with also have different ad-ons that you buy separate, but also costs more. So the choice is yours, check them out, I think you won't be disappointed.
I hope this helps.

Mike B.

Music should be part of your life
http://www.soundclick.com/blackcatjazzcafeband