Rikki, yes the second (or external) HD is used to stream large high quality instruments such as Bardstown Piano at 2.3GB.

You don't need to go to the highest quality effects to get good results. Effects place demands on the processor not your memory so much.

Thanks for asking about my wife. These have been very dark days and many tears. She is going for her first Chemo this coming Monday for lung cancer. The doctors have not been able to find the source of this cancer (breast, colon, pancreas, etc.). This makes it harder for them to devise the appropriate treatment.

I am becoming increasing disabled from arthritis. I am waiting for hip replacement - a 24 month wait. This makes for two old people barely being able to help each other. Don't get me wrong both of us are eternally grateful for what we have achieved especially in light of the fact that we are also mentally challenged. We went through life without assistance from others - so far.