MOTU has just come out with a new interface geared toward laptops. Can't remember the model #, just what I've read about it looks worth checking out. I myself have a MOTU 2408MKIII on PC and it works and sounds awesome for me. I'm looking at adding the MOTU HD192 to my rig.

Oh yeah, what's your budget, that really helps in suggestions. 8)

The MBox is worth looking into. It sure sells a lot. I also have one and use it with my laptop, alternating with an Motu 828mkII when I need more channels.

Be sure to test the MBox with your computer, it is known to have problems with some laptops as some give a little too low voltage on the USB bus. (Not specific for the MBox, all sound cards has problems with at least some laptops). Otherwise it has two channels, decent mic pres (I actually use them for classical music recordings with decent results). Big point is that it runs without an external power supply - keep things soo much easier.

The new Motu box is called Traveller. In theory you can feed it power over the firewire bus and be gone with the extra wall-wart or battery. In practice, we PC folks are out of luck -- not a single PC laptop provides power on the firewire. I believe some of the Macs does, but my knowledge is a bit spotty there.

I have enjoyed using my M-Audio Firewire 410. I like it that it has two headphone plugs and volume controls, mixer software, and has worked flawlessly with my Dell Inspiron laptop.
SG