Best Set-up For A Composer?, I'm running a new G4--need adivce PLEASE Options

[Tripper]

Hey Everyone,

I'm the proud new owner of a PowerBook G4 1.5Ghz and 1.25gigs of RAM. I really need advice on the best setup to acheive my music recording goals. I'm looking for the best hardware reccomendations to connect my Alesis Qs8 Keyboard to my laptop. I will also be recording my vocals--and would sometimes like to record both at the same time. I've looked into getting an M-box--but I know because of latency issues and software compatablility issues that some don't like it.

Any Advice?
I am also looking for software that helps facilitate composing and not just multi-track recording. The composing would entail synth string/piano/orchestral instruments etc.
My best friend has tons of current OSX audio software--so I'm not too concerned about the price of the software....

What is the best hardware that combines audio/midi inputs and outputs? (I'm looking to spend between about $500 for the hardware.)

Thank you so much in Advance!!!

Jon

[handle]

Just wanted to add that I've been usinf Finale for arrangements and occasional (large instrumentation) composing in the old fashioned way (you write the notes down instead of playing them in - although both ways will work) and I like it a lot. It depends on what kind of composing you do. For songs, I also use Logic express and the M-Audio 410 and am very satisfied with the combo. But for large orchestrations, you can't beat Finale.

and thanks for the link to the forum :-)