I have an iBook 1.2GHz with 756mb RAM. I'm getting an interface bundled with Cubase LE, which means I can get an upgrade to SL for about the price of Logic Express.

What I'm primarily after:

1) A user-friendly interface. Something intuitive that I can pretty much figure out without reading the manual thoroughly.

2) A drum sequencer that plays .waw samples.

3) Detailed MIDI-programming, piano roll-style. Again, has to be easily accessible.

4) Lots of processing/tweaking of sounds. I guess this means comprehensive EQ and at least 5 effects per track.

5) Mastering and dithering. I wan't to be able to make recordings that I can burn straight to CD.

I *won't* need: pre-recorded loops, time-stretching, pitch-shfting, lots of tracks, audio analysis, music score notation.

So, what to buy? Any input much appreciated.