I second the Tascam US122. I use it with my laptop and it's been bullet proof.
Terry

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

Thanks all for the links and tips - much appreciated

By the way, my Roland Piano arranger KR-577 And Korg Triton Studio Go together a treat! - they compliment each other very well. Great saxes, Guitars (acoustic), Brass, Woodwind etc on the Roland, and the Pads,Synths/lead, Basses,Strings on the Korg etc. If i'm wanting for a sound, I'm sure to find it on one...or the other!.



Anthony

Roland just came out with the FA-101
firewire interface that lists for $650.
This could be the best interface
for a laptop/PC yet: for recording, softsynth
playing, software arranger, etc.

I really question the need for exspensive interfaces for laptops..With the right software and if needed a small mixer records fine on the newest laptops...Even my 6 year old CTX laptop records okay..It even has a builtin midi interface..
For audio recording I think you can do okay with the Arranger keyboard[PSR2100 or Tyros etc.], or if you need a mic preamp and effects, use a decent mixer..

I agree with Fran. Laptops are pretty capable of doing a good recording job without having to spend the farm on interfaces. I have a US122 and it is more than adequate for my needs. Sure you can go the bigger, better route, but you don't have to. Any type of small mixer and a line in jack to your laptop will almost do the trick. Find a happy medium.

Obviously, it all depends on what you can AFFORD - a Beetle or Mercedes(the PC "Mercedes" is a lot cheaper these days), and WHAT you want it to do.
Firewire is the Mercedes of audio interfaces,
but if you want a USB 1.0, it will, of course, still work. If you want to run multiple applications, like Alive, VST host,
VSTi plug-ins like softsamplers, etc.,RECORD more than 2 tracks at a time, the
more powerful the PC and interface,the better.
You can spend $200 for a Tascam USB or
$400 for a M-audio Firewire 410.
ONLY you can decide if the additional benefits or features are something you MAY
want in the near future. If not, go with the
cheapest.