Audio Interface Question

Good Afternoon,
     I was wondering if anyone in this forum is using an M-Audio Profire 2626 or the Profire 610.  I have quite  a few friend who are using Protools and I would like to be able to work with them as far as that is concerned.  I just upgraded to Sonar 8.5 and waiting for the box to arrive at my door and I want to know what are your experiences with it and do you think it's a good box to have to communicate with professionals using Protools.  I do have a budget of $1000 ;  just want to step my game up so that I can play with the "big boys."
     Have also heard that M-Audio is behind the times as far as having proper drivers for the Profire 610 and the 2626.  Is it true.  Should I be looking elsewhere?  Thanks to anybody who reads this and can give me some insight on these drivers and if maybe I should be looking at something else....

AMD HP Phenom Quad Core 2.3 ghz
6 GB Ram
Nvidia GeForce 9800t video card
Sonar4 (8.5 on the way)
Focusrite Saffire 4 in 8 out interface
Novation Remote 61sl
Motif ES6