Setting up my Setup (help needed)

[Andrew.Glose]

So I'm going to start building up a setup so I can record/produce for people in the near future.

I have Windows Vista (save the flack) and a fully capable Sony Vaio AR series laptop.

I'd like to have Logic Pro, but alas, I have Windows, so I'd like to know what the equivalent is for Logic.

As well as recording jazz, pop, etc, I have a great interest in being able to do electronica type things, as well. Anything with some great drum machines/synth drums?

I'm new to this whole thing, and have checked out Pro-Tools, but have no idea what to look for in a package. I've heard of Ableton, but from what I gather, it seems to be more for the performance aspect.

If you all could help me out with your recommended software and a price range, etc, I'd be appreciative,

Andrew

[Fletch]

You'll get a lot of opinions but I think this is a good place to start.
http://www.cakewalk.com/

[fretlessrock]

I'm an Ableton user on the Mac side. While it has some features that make it great for live performance it is very capable as a "normal" DAW. Some of the Ableton fans actually dislike the fact that it has developed so many DAW features while leaving some of the more requested live performance updates out. I'm also a former Logic user and Live is like Logic's weird relative. They both give you a lot of options in terms of how you get a given task done.

Before you leap in, try to get a handle on what you think your process will look like. How much live tracking? How much MIDI vs. Audio? Do you want a virtual mixing board, or the option to work a little differently? It might help you make a good first decision about both software and hardware. The real expensive part is when you have to buy something twice!

[hunta]

There's a trial version available for both Ableton and Sonar if you want to check them out. For some silly reason steinberg doesn't provide a trial of Cubase anymore.