Ray, so many things go into computer recording that it's difficult to isolate or recommend a laptop without considering them. Primarily, there is the audio interface (USB or Firewire?) and then the software. Then there is your basic familiarity with the OS (Mac or PC?). Then there is the question of available plugins, preferably freebies. I know that there are lots for PC's, not sure about MACs.

If you go the PC route, Sony's are certainly TOTL but you can probably get something less expensive that will do the same job. Look at the 'usual suspects', Toshiba, HP, Gateway, etc. Stick with INTEL which seems to be more compatible with certain sw apps. Get the best (quad core?) CPU you can afford and at least a '7200' HD. Others will chime in, I'm sure. Good Luck. If you end up going the PC route, REAPER is one of the most sophisticated of the inexpensive recording programs. Come to think of it, there is also a MAC version. It's a little advanced for a beginner, however, and you need to make sure it's compatible with your audio interface.

chas

[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 11-17-2009).]