I agree! Even though he is lusting after a nice new laptop, it's actually the least important part needed. The interface is the heart of any DAW studio.  I use an old Toshiba 2.5/ 1.5 Gigs of RAM, 7200 RPM drive ( most important item really)  XP 32 bit laptop with Sonar and it will record 12+ tracks live no problem,  the audio is perfectly fine. Overdubs a in sync etc. You just cannot over do efxs and VST instruments. 
Any proper audio interface is 100% better than using the on board on a $2,000 state of the art laptop. 
 
Protable options:  
I have a Tascam DR 40 that has 4 track capability that would work super fine for what he's doing, $140. It has XLR and the built in mikes. I can hook it up via USB and it becomes a external drive. You can drag and drop files. I havn't done any multi track overdubs as I have no need of this, but my friend and his kids recorded a complete song on his this way so it must work.