A lot of questions about laptop setup?

[mellotron]

I'm new to computer recording. What would I need to hook up a Firebox to this laptop?

Here're the other things I'm planning on getting:

1 AT4047s or 2 AT4033s, still haven't decided yet.
2 KRK RP-5 monitors
Sony MD-R headphones
FL Studio for drum tracks? Could I use Cubase that comes with the Firebox for that, if I decide on adding a drum set, but don't have the money to buy one?
Yamaha PSR or some sort of MIDI keyboard--with hammer action would be expensive though.

I'm planning on recording cello, piano, acoustic guitar, melodica, tambourine, and bongos one track at a time. I don't have a drum set, so would FruityLoops be a good choice for percussion? I'm not sure what I need a MIDI keyboard for though, since I have all of the instruments I need right now. Would it be easier to add drums with a keyboard?

Since I'm just starting out, do you think it would be a good idea for me to spend less money, like a Fostex MR8? All I really wanted last month was a 4-track cassette recorder, but now that I have a job my ambition has grown along with my budget, now >$1000. It would also be a lot less expensive for me to use the soundcard/mixer approach, but everyone tells me that PCI is becoming obsolete.

 

[rayc]

a) don't use the laptop then you can...
b) use a soundcard
& it'll run a bit better
You don't need to have cutting edge gear unless you want it.
Your other gear seems OK to get going.

 

[TimOBrien]

I'm new to computer recording. What would I need to hook up a Firebox to this laptop?

Nothing.

The Firebox is a firewire interface and comes with a cable.

That laptop has a firewire port. You just plug it in.... that's the whole point of firewire.