Hey Green Hornet I don't know about the AW2816 or AW16G but the AW4416 you can use a mouse and I do.
I agree with Green Hornet the a standalone DAW is very much like a PC setup, with lots of Pro and Cons on PC or DAW approach. You didn't mention if you already own a PC or not and being you want to stay in the baby pool the cost outlay will be different depending on the answer to that question.
Biggest upside to DAW is everything in one Box, mixer,Pre Amps, effects units, multiple inputs, phantom Power, EQ;s,and Dynamic libraries,samplers,ect depending on the unit.
Biggest upside to PC is probably editing, which is easier on a PC. Some people say investment is safest, but PC's change as fast as musical products, as do Software developers who write to latest Operating system and hardware, so I am not sure I totally buy that. But there are more plugin and mastering options on the PC.
My personal choice is a DAW, but thats me. But I will eventual probably do both, I have a good PC but just haven't had the overwhelming to desire to get it all hooked up and figured out yet. And if I do it will be for editing purposes mostly.