thanks for all the tips.  I decided to go with an audio interface, the presonus firebox, anyone familiar with it?
 
http://presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=4
 
its a little more affordable than the digidesign m-box2, and has gotten better reviews than the m-audio products.

It sounds a bit late, but this might help people down the line who are using the search function.
 
I have owned an M-Audio Solo for about 3 years.  The only problem I've ever had is with their driver upgrades.  The install CD that came with it had an outdated driver.  So long as I update the drivers if/when I update my OS, then it has been hassle free.

nah, not too late...I just realized that the mbox2 mini is the same price as the firebox...its USB, but hasbetter reviews, and protools...