M-audio Firewire Audiophile, for a near beginner, better options ? Options

[mockfrog]

Hi all - looking for some advice (what else). Will soon take delivery of a G4 1Ghz 17" Powerbook; am a complete bedroom hack who has not used Macs for music since my old Quadra 660 running MicroLogic and an Alesis QS6 synth. Keep getting steered towards Logic Express 7 & the M-Audio Firewire Audiophile as an audio input. Would be interested if anyone has a strong opinion either way about this set-up ? For someone who just wants to do mostly midi and possibly add in some guitar and vocals, is there a better (or cheaper equivalent) option ?
Cheers