The big difference is that when you buy an "all-in-one" device, there it is... With a computer as your "base" anything you now or ever put into it or add onto it is only "where you are NOW".

If you are INTO computers BIG TIME, go with the computer. If you are into "the music" side, the all-in-one may be better.

Sort've like if you need a vehicle to get back and forth to work, just buy a car - may not be the greatest car, but it'll get you back and forth just fine. If the "driving experience" is important, buy parts and build your own car, just the way you like it.......

That said, the computer with "ad-ons" should be "better", at some point - pedending on the parts added, but what point? Hard to say... Meantime, alot of music will go unrecorded(Or recorded poorly) until you figure out the "right" computer and parts - and how to make it all work. Whereas, the AIA should be a much simpler matter of setting the device on the table, opening the manual, plugging in the mics and phones and getting started. May never be as good(Can still be pretty darned good!), but that "ultimate quality/flexibility"may never matter.....?

TG

A "modular" setup is always going to be a better option than an "all-in-one" box. It allows you to add and/or upgrade individual parts with less financial commitment even though the initial investment may be a little more. An all-in-one will become outmoded and have to be completely replaced and all of the extras may not be compatable with the new system you get.

If you go the computer route it's to your advantage to do it all yourself. It gives you practical experience which will definately stand you in good stead in the future. You also will know every detail of your system so if/when you have a problem that you cannot solve on your own you will be able to give information about your system down to the minutest detail.