I don't know i did some looking and everything pointed towards pro tools which i have used for the past month or so. I have also noticed that it is the most recommended program out of all of them everywhere I look. Sonar is probably good and all but I think that PT has a slight edge and that's why it is used so often. BTW its not easy or point and click. But sonar cake walk kinda spell simplicity out for you. In the end I would assume that its all a matter of preference, I have since used sonar and have to say that I personally am more impressed with PT.

Not to knock it but for another 100 bucks you can get the mbox 2 which is way better than the mini. I could see using that on your non studio pc.

Let's just hope you're not doing any serious recording... Especially drums.
You're going to need more than that Mbox toy.

if bfd or reason or the fact that i can midi my electric drums not enough for you?? Maybe you should learn to play some drums before your open your fly trap...

what do you use???

Um...

I've been playing drums since I was 12. (I'm 28, do the math)
I use an actual set of acoustic drums. And I record them. With an Echo Audiofire 12: a 12 in/out audio interface going through a 16 channel Mackie Mixer. Going into Cakewalk's Sonar 7 producer edition.
I think I do just fine.
And when I don't feel like playing real drums, well THEN I use a program.

Btw, I didn't call Mbox a toy to insult you.
I personally think it's a toy.
I just happen to have enough experience playing and recording a drum set to know that the Mbox won't cut it.

This and a decent mic
maybe think Rode as they have some well priced good quality multi purpose condensers.

Its gold.

You can get mixers and what have you from the digi design website. Its all relative really. Pro tools comes with some serious plugin power to start and has tons of upgrades. You can shop for virtually any plugin you want on there website, basically the sky is the limit.

I get most of what I need from WAVES bundles.
Sonar comes with some awesome plugs though. Check out Vintage Channel. That thing is a work of art.

I will have a look.

Digidesign - The Industry Leader in Digital Audio and Live Sound