Which Audio Interface?, FW or USB 2? Options

[timski]

I am in the process of starting up and wanted some advice on audio interfaces.
I have a 1Ghz G4 Powerbook (2x USB 2 ports, 1x Firewire 400) with Jaguar (may be getting Panther soon, however) and am planning to run Logic Express, recording mostly audio (vocals, guitars and old keyboards) with some MIDI. I do not require surround sound and do not plan to use any extra hardware (MIDI devices, mixers, etc) other than a MIDI controller keyboard.
Do I really need Firewire or is USB sufficient? The M-audio 410 looks nice but I have reservations about the fact that I'd have to keep it switched on all the time as this really isn't feasible - I require portability and use my PB for much more than just music. Furthermore, I may eventually want to record live drums and wasn't sure if the 410 would give me enough inputs.
There are a lot of cheap USB interfaces like the Tascam US-122 and the Audiophile Pre - would one of these be sufficient?
Finally - I will be getting an external HD, preferably Firewire. Can I run this at the same time as a 410, or could I get away with a USB 2 HD?

As I said I'm just starting out (although have some experience with recording using Cubasis and EMU APS on a PC a few years ago) so don't need anything too fancy, but at the same time want gear that will last a long time and won't limit me in the future.

MANY THANKS!

This post has been edited by timski: Thu 6 May 2004, 21:48

[deronsard]

m-audio drivers don't work under panther and their tech support is terrible. search very, very carefully every forum available to you before you buy anything from them. note that riverdog wants to buy firewire 410. he hasn't used it yet.

take recommendations only from long term current owners. and look out for the negative reports as well.

be careful friend.