I know its a bit stupid but i've just been looking into getting a laptop with an audio interface for recording small bands and playing music for parties etc...
stupid because i have no idea what im looking for really, but i have found 2 pieces of kit which interest me both at the same price:

Hercules 16/12 FW
M-Audio Firewire 18/14 Audio Interface

I'm just looking to do it as a hobbie to begin with and then maybe try and earn a few quid back from it at a later date I dunno

Terratec also have a firewire sound card that might be worth looking at.


http://productsen.terratec.net/modules.php...id=198&menu=115

* 8 analog Outputs (Cinch) 24 bit/192 kHz
* analog stereo Line Input (Cinch) 24 bit/96 kHz
* Phono Input stereo (Cinch) with Hardware RIAA and 24 bit/96 kHz
* Headphones Output (6.3mm Jack) with Volumecontrol (24bit/192 kHz)
* Microphone Input (6.3mm Jack) with Gain Control and Peak LED (24bit/96 kHz)
* Optical Digital S/P DIF Input (TOS Link) 24 bit/96 kHz
* Optical Digital S/P DIF Output (TOS Link) 24 bit/96 kHz
* Non Audio output on digital Output (AC-3)
* IEEE-1394 compliant Interface for PC/Mac (FireWire™)
* Hot plugging capable
* Buspowered
* optional external power supply
* ASIO 2.0 Support for all In- and Outputs
* IR remote control with application

For recording you might consider a portable device (NJB3 or i-river) and an external preamp and adc for around the same price- would remove laptop noise, and might be more convenient.

The Tascam FW=1884 is a good interface.

http://www.tascam.com/Products/FW-1884.html

There also is some great information at Audiomasters.
http://www.audiomastersforum.org/amforum/index.php