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

[MrDee]

Yeah for complex arrangements i like to use sibelius with it's midi outputting into ProTools (and into EWQL Orchestra) to avoid quicktime's awful sounds! PT allows this because it has virtual midi channels. If logic doesn't, there's plenty of workarounds all over the place which makes up for the IAC bus in OS9 (has it reappeared in Panther?)