Alesis ADAT vs Roland VS 1680?

[Vice1]

I would like a digital recorder thats (relitivly)mobile. I need a recorder that can record at least 8 tracks at a time.

I am thinking about the Roland VS-1680 but then I read sonusman's article called "format wars". It was very interesting and I realized that if I'm going to go digital I want to do it right.

Sonusman suggests a Alesis setup for $7500. I want to have VERY GOOD recordings but have a "pro" quality recording is not my main concearn. I'd rather have a machine that is fairly user friendly (because I don't have tons of time to dedicate to recording) and produces decent demo quality recordings.

Can anyone give me any info on these matter or know where I can get it?

THanks VICE