ProTools is almost industry standard.Cubase is also popular.I use Reaper REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits Theres great help forums & basics are the same in recording programs.The license is up to $60 but you can try it for free.This is not like Audiology/ Cubase LE;its a fullyfunctional platform with a lot of native fx.Its even got low latency jam feature,Ninjam that can record live with other musicians on the internet.File is quite small.Last thing,I would use ASIO4ALL as a sound driver-free download.Laptops-ASUS is good.My advice-go for large screen to display as many of the tracks as possible.Go for the mid-range price,& plan 2 get a new one in 3-5 yrs.Check the req on software he'll be running.I play bass, guitar & keys & program drums.I play metal and progr rock, so I thought I wud throw that out there if some collaboration might help get some songs down"on tape".For both of us.I wish him well.Might check out IKMultimedia 4 virtual instrumnts.good luckWww.facebook.come/gxulien
