I'm no expert, but I have a hard time believing that the sound card found in the average (even high-end) laptop would have the same quality clocks, converters, and preamps found in dedicated pro-quality units. I do agree that USB 2.0 is probably ok for 2-channel recording, but any higher than that and I'd go firewire for sure, 800 if possible. Of course, when you say "Most of the onboard sound cards are more than adequate for everything we do", then you need to define "everything we do". Just my HUMBLE opinion.

chas