Portable Studio Setup, The best options for portable studio Options

[DEVIOUS]

I know that there are many discussions on this topic but I am still uncertain what is the best option for an affordable compact studio solution. I intend to use it for recording both 'real' instruments (guitar, vocals) and midi. I record a variety of different types of music but wish to concentrate on the more dancy/electronic type of music.

So far this is what I've come up with to add to my Powerbook G4:

Tascam US-122 (I only need 2 channels recording at once so I think USB should be ok)

Midiman Keystation Radium49 Keyboard (I need something I can actually play stuff on- can't accept the tiny keyboards. I intend to use portability only for the guitar and vocal recording)

Reason 2.5

A good all rounder microphone (does this exist? I want to be able to record both vocals and acoustic guitar through this)

I wish to later add Cubase Sx to this but currently money is of prime importance.

Does anyone have any alternatives or opinions on this?
Nearly all the posts tell people to spend more and more until it's all costing too much to be a hobby. I wish for quality like anyone else but don't expect to do more than neatly develop my ideas on this setup.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Barb]

I have used the Rode N1 but don't own them. I am very impressed with the NT4 &5 which I own but I find these Rode mics to be very bright and I need to eq the crap out of them in live situations. Not a great choice for vox or guitar because they are small diaphram condensers but I mention them because I am very impressed with Rode for the$ so check out the N1. Best to go with the large diaphram mic. As I said, I am a big fan of the AKG C3000: smooth, round & warm but if you can go for the $ I have heard nothing but good things about the new Rode mic with variable patterns. hey, get one of each and mix and match!

Keyboards: Which one do you have or plan to have? There should be no problen using the two USB inputs. You may need to put either one in the first slot to make it work better. I have found that I need the keyboard in the first slot when I was in OS 9.

MBox : no sweat, it has phantom power. It uses USB so there is no firewire issue. I really don't think you can go wrong for the $ with the MBox. ProTools has its quirks but you'll need to have some experience with it if you plan on going into a big studio someday. You can always add another program to you computer, like Logic or Digital Performer as $ allows. I know Logic works with the MBox.

Good luck and take the plung!