Laptop and soundcard for Ubuntu Studio

[AJ Matthews]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the tips I've picked up from this list over the last few 
months. Now I have the usual questions about good hardware to run Ubuntu 
Studio. Looks like I'll have to buy a new laptop in the next month so 
are there any makes/models/chipsets to avoid? I was thinking of an ASUS 
or a Lenovo but please let me know what you've had good experiences with.

Currently I have a Emu 1616m PC Card sound card but that might have to 
be replaced because a lot of new laptops don't have the right slot. Also 
I can't get MIDI to work. Do you find USB or Firewire interfaces give 
lower latency? Would it be a good idea to use FFADO and pick a card 
that's fully supported? Again hardware that you've had good luck with 
and not over about $300 or so would be really great to hear about as 
would any gotchas.

Cheers!

AJ