[NewMusic] PC recording software advice

[Matt Davignon]

ok....I have this new laptop that I'm planning to use as a mobile
recording studio. I need to install music-making software, and I'm not
quite sure what is the best way to go.

I should start by saying I'm pretty dumb when it comes to music on
computers. No max patches for me. I'm just looking for something
really intuitive - a pretty easy to use multi track recorder where I
can throw in some volume/panning timelines, cut and paste a few
sections, maybe add some plugin effects here and there.

I should also say that I'm only planning to use the computer for
recording and editing - making songs. I'm not planning on using it to
play live shows.

I guess if I'm not convinced otherwise, I'll probably just buy the
upgraded version of Sony Vegas Pro, which is pretty much what I've
been using for multitrack stuff. The thing that I don't like about it
is that I usually wind up exporting tracks to SoundForge to run noise
reduction, bring up the levels, and add effects, which means I can't
hear how what I'm doing fits in the context of other tracks until I
save it and import it back. I'm not sure if that's really necessary or
if I'm just being dumb.

I'm willing to pay for something good. Shelling out $1000 for Cubase
seems a bit steep, especially if I'm not sure I'm going to like it.

I used to do a lot of cassette 4-track recording back in the day. When
I made the switch to computer, I wound up doing so much cleanup on
each recording pass that I tend to run out of patience quickly and
storm off to play video games.

I have a laptop PC with a Presonus Inspire audio interface and Windows XP.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!

Matt