Looking for something bottom feeder, as I will only record tracks and then bring them back to the studio to work on.  So the laptop will just act like a tape recorder...figure an i3 or something.  

Also an interface... with at least 4 inputs/outputs min.

figured a laptop would be overall more useful and no more expensive than a stand alone recorder, which would be out of date as soon as I bought one.  Already have everything else from mobile speakers to snakes to mics...   So no Tascam 24 track hard disk recorders.... if those aren't already out of date.

8 ins would be luxury and not looking to break the bank.  ...  $6 or 700 total maybe??

realistic goals?... and suggestions, especially the cheapie interface, since there are so many to plow thru.

I bought a Zoom R16 and love it.  8 inputs, can run on batteries or ac, writes to a SD card that I pop into my computer and drag the tracks into X2a tracks that I have pre-configured for guitar, vocals, etc.  so I have a general mix real quick.  We actually set it up as a mixer also, sending the output to active speakers and subs so we play direct-in with no amps.
I thought about an audio interface and laptop at the time, but this has worked out great.  

I'll check it out, but I've found most recorders of that nature only record 2 tracks at once.  I'd like at least four and hopefully 8.

they used to.
this one does 8
WSS

The Roland QUAD CAPTURE says it has four inputs, but two of them are coax S/PDIF and you need to buy an extra A to D converter.

Just to save you the time of looking into that option.

If you can use the mixer's direct outs/inserts, have a look at:  http://www.allen-heath.com/uk/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ICE16&ProductId=ICE16 

No need for a laptop :)

woah...I like that allen and heath unit.   it only has mono headphone playback, but that could be OK...  $1000 sounds reasonable too.   Like to read some real world reviews.  THANKS...  This looks like the ticket actually.

Here's one review, it works :)

I did a test, 16 channels at 24/48 for over two hours, it does the job. You'll need a HDD fot that btw.

The real test for me will be on the 19th, 14 channels at 24/48, doing live sound.


And no, I don't have any connection with A&H, just happen to own two mixers from them.

If Alex says it works, it works.

well...the wife says we need a laptop computer too, so laptop plus interface is what is going to have to happen.  This way I don't even have to convince anyone either.  

What's troubling is each interface I read about, everyone hates them.  I can't afford a RME, Lynx or the like.  I've used Echo stuff without problems for years now, starting at their 20 bit stuff, so will probably just get their 4x4 Firewire....which I wish was USB.

I've read about MOTU 828, and used ones seem inexpensive, but dang, so many negative reviews... same with Presonus, Tascam, M-Audio, etc.  I've seen people have problems with them too... static, clicks, hiss...