laptop for recording music

[Apokalipse]

usually you can't upgrade a Laptop very much, regardless of it being Mac or PC
note: PC usually means computers with Microsoft Windows or Linux Operating System's
although IMO Mac make much more effort into making their Laptops much like their desktop equivalent.

and when you get your software, note that:
software designed for PC's will not run on Mac's unless you get an emulator
software designed for Mac's won't run on PC's at all

for multimedia, I think Macintosh software is simply the best

if you want a different sound card than what's in the Laptop, for your purpose I would recommend an Audigy 2
this one is external and plugs into your computer using USB, since you cannot put a PCI card (most sound cards are PCI cards) into a Laptop, even if it is a PC-based Laptop

USB is a lot easier to connect too

 

[crow0021]

if u just want something simple, buy the $50 soundblaster live or use your onboard sound card. it will be ok, decent enough. if u want to do multi-tracking, like for example putting vocals over some of your guitar recordings, u will need a multi-track recording software. u can get setup for not too much $$$. just go to a music store, tell them what u want to do, and how much u want to spend. they should help u...

 

[bango]

i have the software lined up, so its not a problem