Need Advice On Best Computer Options

[teetopkram]

Greetings, I want to set-up a small home recording studio that I can use to record 1-2 tracks at a time using analog, MIDI and possibly SPDIF (Vox Tonelab). I have two computers that I can use for this purpose:

1. A G4 desktop running at 400 Mhz, 128 MB RAM, 10 GB HD, 2 USB, 2 Firewire, and a CD-ROM that reads only.

2. A G4 powerbook running at 1 Ghz, with 1 GB RAM, 60 GB HD, 2 USB, 1 Firewire (400), and a CD-ROM with read and write capabilities.

The desktop is a hand me down that can be dedicated solely for home recording purposes. However, the Powerbook is my work computer tha I use in my consulting business everyday (loaded with lots of apps).

Because I had heard that its a bad idea to use a home recording computer for any other applications (i.e, its always desirable to have a dedicated machine just for the studio), I had initially considered just getting a small mixer and putting an Audiophile 2496 PCI card into the desktop, and increasing its RAM. I could then transfer files to the Powerbook and burn the CD there.

HOWEVER, is there a better solution given my two computers?

Could I use the Powerbook for all the plug-ins, synth modules, effects, etc, and thus decrease processing demands for the desktop if I use the desktop to record? How about vice versa?

If I use the Powerbook for recording, mixing, and burning, I would have to get a Firewire interface, and they are more expensive...are they just as good as PCI interfaces? I am on a budget and am looking to save money. Which in your opinion is the best Firewire interface?

Is there a way to use one of the two computers as an external Hard Drive to help with the recording demands?

Essentially, I am looking for the experts here to help me design a nice little set-up and talk me through the pros and cons for both computers. Thanks a bunch!!!

Mark