What holds true I believe in computer based music making is:
Bigger and faster.

The more ram and hard drive the better.
The faster the processor and hard drive the better.

And soundcards make a world of difference believe me. There are many good ones out there and a few great ones. The better the sound card, the better the sound, lower latency and less running trouble. I would have a look at the Delta and Motu stuff.

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jam on,
Terry
http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html