motu for iBook and PC? (sorry), trying to decide on a multitrack solution Options

[reverendHorton]

I just acquired an iBook, (500, 256mb, etc) and I'm now trying to decide on a solution of what to buy for audio recording. I already have a quite capable PC (sorry) which I use as a home studio machine, and I've been contemplating getting an Echo Layla for quite a while to use with it. Obviously, the layla will not interface with the iBook.
Does anyone know if the Motu 828 is as good with a windows PC as it is with a mac? If it is decent, I will probably get the Motu instead and use it with both computers...
Also, will the iBook I have be enough for recording 5 or 6 tracks simultaneously?
I hope to use the iBook for mostly live recording, as my band plays a lot of shows and it would be fun to release a live cd, or be able to go over to a friends house and record several tracks with just the iBook, motu, and a few mics. Anybody have a similar setup?

Thanks,
a recent convert

[geedoubleyou]

Firewire on PC is a minefield, the DV and Audio user groups are full of unhappy users, that can't see their hardware.

With MOTU they have a FAQ about 1394 interfaces they have tested, and what chip sets work.

PCs with intergrated 1394 seem to work better. MOTU only supports Win2000, the last time I checked.

So tread lightly. Also check out the PC, and hardware forums at Harmony central.com

Several long threads on MOTU firewire hardware, interesting reading.

[reverendHorton]

thanks! looks like i have some reading to do, even though you summed it up quite well.
another question: do you think a USB input device be an alternative that might work on both? i know firewire definitely has the speed advantage but the ability to cross platforms is of more concern to me.