Well guess what guys, I went ahead today (12-08) & purchased the Yamaha AW16G. (12-09 addendum: subsequently traded in AW16G for Korg D1600MKII: see reason at end of this specific posting) I just couldn't turn down what seems like a good price ($899) and that the unit also comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee with a full refund if for any reason I don't like it. Though I realize purchasing a laptop might provide more flexible options, it (plus hardware interface, soundcard, & additinal software) would surely cost a bit more than what I paid for the AW16G. I guess I could have waited till the new Roland similar price point model comes out, but I guess I just had to have my MTV (I mean DAW) NOW ! Oh well, I suppose if I find out the Roland is going to be 'that much' more improved than the AW16G, I could just trade up to it (within 30 days). Does anyone here know what improvements/new features the next generation of DAWs will include?

I'm now anxious to find out for myself if the AW16G delivers the DAW recording ease, convenience, & sound quality that a number of you here (Roel, Uncle Dave, Terry Telson, etc) have expressed. I did get a chance to watch the AW16G's accompanying DVD video tutorial and it clearly stated that you can easily export either 'individual' AW16G tracks or the stereo mix downdown to a WAV file and then import it into Cakewalk Sonar, Cubase, or Logic for editing, and (optionally) import it back into the AW16G as well. That's a real big PLUS to me.

One thing that I can't seem to find the answer to is what the record/playback rate of the included AW16G's CDRW/CDR drive is. Anyone know?

Even though I may not always follow everyone's advice , I really DO value & appreciate everyone's opinion here. Thanks for your continued interest & feedback. -Scott

ADDENDUM: 12/9/2003
I EXCHANGED the Yamaha AW16G for a Korg D1600MKII, as the AW16G does not support 24 bit recording while the Korg D1600MKII does. The other feature I like on the D1600MKII (which is not included on the AW16G) is USB interface support and a 40 GB hd, vs 20 GB on the AW16G. The D1600MKII cost me $300 more than the AW16G did though. - Scott

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 12-09-2003).]