Well for entry level .... I'd definitely say n-Track unless you have a substantial amount of money to shell out for SAW.
Despite it's low price .... n-Track is not to be taken lightly. It's a very functional program with features you'd expect to see in some of the heavy weights.
The only drawbacks I see in n-Track are it's MIDI composition abilities. You are limited to the piano roll, but there are many free MIDI editors out there that can be used. Then just import the MIDI files to n-Track for sequencing.
The only other thing is .... it doesn't come loaded with tons of effects, but yet it doesn't cost $400 + either. However it has full support of DX ,VST, DXi and VSTi. Not to mention support for control surfaces, mixer automation and ReWire.
One of the "best bangs for the buck" in my eyes.
-Ken
