Scott,

For ease, portability, convenience, reliability and all the wonderful things you need to record, and priced under $1,500 there's nothing better than your laptop. It will do everything the DAW does, plus a lot more. If you'll recall, about a month ago we had Terry record the same song using a DAW and his computer. No one knew which was which until near the end of the post when it was revealed. Nealy 80 percent of the folks that listened to both voted for the computer recording for having the best overall quality. In the end, it's what sounds best to others that counts--stick with the laptop.

Good Luck on whatever you decide upon,

Gary