Acoustica

Portable Mastering Studio

As the title and description read, I'm wanting to put together a portable mastering studio. I'll be doing the mastering in a dorm room at my college and want a semi-pro mobile solution so that I can master away from the room while on trips and the like. Here's what I currently have at my disposal:

• PowerBook 1.5GHz (15.2" TFT)
• Echo Indigo IO Sound Card
• Sennheiser HD 280 Silver Headphones

Now I have approximately US$1500 to put towards software, external HDD and whatever else I might need (your suggestions). The good thing is that I qualify for academic pricing so I'm hoping to get some professional software/hardware and have some money leftover for plug-ins or future upgrades. I would love to have some suggestions in the following areas:

• Mastering software - Peak, Logic, ProTools, what do you find the best for mastering and good for a mobile solution?
• External HDD - I've heard so many people say that an external HDD for mobile audio editing is essential that this is my second priority (past software), so this will be an important buy. A good size? Transfer method? (FW800 vs. USB 2.0)
• Capturing hardware - Do I trust that all my clients will bring me either a music file or CD to master or should I be prepared to accept ADATs as well? If so, what equipment should I get that is easily transportable?
• iPod - The perfect previewing tool there is, worth the US$250 and the wait to get myself a Mini?
• Anything else I'm missing? I'm sure there is something.

Thanks for any advice and as my first post, I look forward to becoming an active member in the community!