Main difference between firewire and USB is bandwidth. What does that mean to you. Less tracks and higher latency in recording. Read this for more detail http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

I would recomend looking into the new firewire break out boxes such as the Presonus Inspire or Firebox, Focusrite Saphire, Mackie Spike or Satelite, Maudio 410,and Edirol FA101. Although these dont have an analog style mixer they come with a software mixer and recording software. The setup will be a lot easier for you. You can also chain more of these devices in order to get more simultaneos tracks. A few of the above boxes also include a MIDI interface.
Best Wishes :D
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thank you very much for your help. But which one of those can i record up to 4 tracks via microphone to my laptop under $200.

If you are looking to do 4 mic track simultaneos those wont work. You would need to add a independent two+ channel preamp. Or move up to the 8 channel firewire interfaces. Another option is to purchase two Presonus Inspires and chain them together. That would give you 4 mic pre channels and a few extra channels. At $200 it is going to be hard to find something. I think you would be better off to save a little more money and get something better. If you are doing 4 channels simultaneous the firewire will be the better way to go.

It was really nice of Casper to help you, wasn't it? And to answer your original posted question....
Who wants to help anyone calling himself "Pecker"?????
Seriously, dude, get a better grasp of the English language before you
call yourself THAT!

thank you very much for all your help. and as for the "pecker" name its an nick name with an inside joke. =]