USB 3.0 external hard drives and audio recording?

If the USB3 controller is integrated into the Intel chipset, it can sustain up to ~500MB/Sec.
Conventional HDs will top out at about 140MB/Sec.
Yes, USB3 is fine for an audio HD.

Your problem with a laptop will be high DPC latency (due to power-management features).
This is much less a concern if you're working at ASIO buffer sizes of 256-samples or larger.

Hi Scott & Jim

Thanks for the input.

@Jim. Thanks. I don't see latency being much of an issue, I'm planning on using my ZED-R16 which is firewire and I can run that as high as I want really and monitor via the desk. It actually works okay on my rather flakey current dual core laptop which only has a 4-pin firewire connection. I really want a larger screen and separate number pad The extra memory and cpu power that'll come with it will all be a bonus.

@Scott. Thanks. I may even have a go with my current set up then. I did upgrade this to a drive @ 7200 rpm and it works fine on four of five tracks I just assumed it might start to struggle at 16 or more. Having said that I could do with replacing this, the internal speakers are broken as is the webcam, not to mention the relatively small screen and it's looking a bit road worn now..