If you own a computer and want to do the whole audio/midi thing, make sure it's fast enough, has enough RAM and that it's properly set up with your music in mind- example- a seperate hard drive only for audio.

I must say, if you are really interested in an all in one system, check out the Digidesign 001 system. Audio wise it has 24 tracks, can record 24 bit audio, has the proven Protools interface and comes with some nice plugins. Midi wise, it's not as powerful as say Logic or Cubase but still you can get most things done very well with it and a new upgrade (5.1) is coming out that will add a few extra features to this area. Well worth checking out and it comes with it's own interface box- an all in one computer solution so to speak!

Hardware wise- the new Yamaha AW4416 WILL blow the pants off all the other hardware recorders out there- but it's also gonna cost an arm and a leg! However, for that arm and a leg you'll get a very poewrful 16 track recorder with 128 virtual tracks, powerful onboard digital mixing with automation, fx, eq and dynamics to name just a few features. However, for midi you'd need to sync up your chosen sequencer/computer with it.

Other great cheaper hardware units to check out are the Korg D16 (get the version 2 upgrade) and the new Akai DPS16 looks like it's gonna offer alot of features- I'm checking this unit out for sure (get it with the fx board though).

Yes you could always get your choice of audio card like Darla, Gina, Mona, Layla, DSP factory, 1212, Pulsar 11, Motu 2408 11 etc etc but make sure it's all working properly.

So there you have it- alot of options and you can't go wrong anyway provided your chosen set up helps you make music!!!! Cheers and good luck!