1. do i need any additional hardware (other than the laptop)?
You will probably need a soundcard or interface. Although some machines come with a built-in card, the quality of these inputs is normally limited. Some laptops accept soundcards and some (like the Mac ibook) do not. If your new laptop does not have an available card slot, you will need an interface that hooks up to the computer via USB or firewire. Firewire connections are typically more expensive and somewhat faster, although that has changed with the advent of USB2. There are numerous cards and interfaces to choose from. Take a look at the following:
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/cat--Audio-Interfaces--2418
2. apple versus pc?-i am a pc guy but open to apple (if superior)
IMHO the Mac-PC war is over. You can choose either based on price or features, but I would suggest going with the type of operating system that you are familiar with. So, even though I’m a longtime Mac user, go with a PC. You already use one and you will need that “knowledge base” for troubleshooting.
One other note, I would try to identify a combination of hardware that is known to be relatively issue-free. Everyone that builds a DAW runs into troubleshooting issues. But, in general, these are lessened if you use a known quantity or combination. So, for example, I would not choose a PC coupled with a MOTU interface. MOTU was originally designed for Macs and, until recently, did not offer windows capability.
2.5 how much ram, processor speed, hdd size?
Get as much as you can afford. Most audio users have 500MB or more of RAM coupled with a fast processor. In addition, most would suggest a drive that will operate at 7200rpm and (for high track counts) a external drive. The idea is to use one drive for data and one for software applications. Of course, you may get away with less if you stick to your original plan of recording just one track.
3. software recommendations?
There are many types of good recording software apps on the market (Cubase, ProTools LE, Logic, Digital Performer, etc.). These typically cost $500 and up. There are also some low cost alternatives (see the N-Tracks users forum on this BBS) and a free application that Massive Master has been citing. You may also find that certain interfaces come bundled with software (MOTU and AudioDesk; Digidesign and ProToolsLE, for example). My suggestion is to download software demos and get a feel for the interface and features offered by each one. You will find that on most sophisticated applications, the software is complex with multiple windows and a large number of features--some of which you may never use. There is a fairly steep learning curve on these products but--in the long run--you will always have something to learn and options or alternatives to pursue. One additional note, because complex audio software can be daunting, find a good user’s group on the net where you can ask questions.
4. cd burning? is it as easy as copying audio cd's is on my desktop?
You will need a CD burner in your laptop or an external device. And you will need some type of software. The software is often bundled with the CD burner or comes with the laptop. I use Toast but there are obviously other choices, particularly if you go with a PC. The process is fairly simple. Your recording software will allow you to save or export audio files in a some type of commonly accepted format (WAV, AIFF). These files are then dragged and dropped into the CD burning software and, viola!, burned to CD. There are, for course, some options, such as setting the time between songs. But, for the most part, it’s a simple procedure and the least of your worries at this point.
