Mbox, M-audio, What!?, Need help deciding Options

[Mangrilla]

I'm new to the forum, and to recording in general. I really want to get something that I can plug into my flatscreen iMac G4 that will allow me to record vox, guitar/bass, and possibly even drums directly into my computer. I also would like this to come with tools to record/master what I do. I went to Guitar center and asked them, and they suggested the M-audio firewire 410, and a friend of mine suggested to me the Digidesign Mbox. Do you all have any suggestions maybe? I have been looking at these two systems and am worried that the M-audio doesn't come with very a very complete editing/mixing/etc. software, but really like the amount of inputs and the fact that it already has a midi solution. Any thoughts, or other suggestions, PLEASE?!!?

[xingu]

There's a handy button on the 428 called the Input Monitor, which gives you a direct analog signal, bypassing the software and thus giving you "zero latency". I have a 428 and hardly ever use this feature unless tracking things at very fast tempos. The regular latency is minimal - audible, but easy enough to deal with (you should have no problem getting used to it.)

I don't know what your measure of reasonably good quality is, but assuming your input signal is of decent quality, you should be satisfied.