Rikke, hmmmmmmmm. That's a fairly decent reduction in respose time moving from the external sound card module to the integrated board. Definitely worth considering ... but I guess one has to measure that $$$ against upgrading to a faster, more capable laptop.

The problem I have with things like controller boards "upgraded" with addons like integrated audio interface circuits is whether the hardware is durable enough. Most MIDI boardsa re not exactly famous for quality control, 'cept ther eally expensive ones. I might prefer stuff where I can replace a major part fairly easily (like the sound card). I have friends using the SFF computer boxes (the extra small boxes) as replacements for laptops. For music use -- since they really don't use the computer keys -- they simply have the box (with a good soundcard integrated), and the controller keyboard plugged in via USB or Firewire. And a nice flat panel display. Another approach.

Thank you for the soundfont link. I need a lot of information and help as I make the move into component softmusic. I'll be back.

PS: have you ever tried KeyRIG from M-Audio? It's an interesting simple idea for someone not requiring many voices and a lot of effects. Like me.