Since you don't have a firewire port on your laptop, you will need to get a firewire ExpressCard with a Texas Instruments Chip (for example the $24 Rosewill):
http://www.newegg.com /Product/Product.a...will-_-39200011 After that, pick any of the firewire interfaces I listed previously and it should keep you busy for weeks!
I personaly like the Presonus Firestudio Project, because it comes with a ton of plug-ins and software! On top of that, the MIC Pre's are excellent and you can get one for under $400.
Good Luck!
[This message has been edited by hitman (edited 08-20-2010).]