Hi, I've been using Mini-Disc recorders for live recording for about 3 years and it IS the way to go.With the new High-Density disc technology debuting in another month, I'd suggest waiting for that.
Here are two sites to look at.
Both have extensive FAQ's. The nice thing about Mini-Disc Canada's web-site is some of the new technology to INPUT to the computer in the form of Input/Output boxes using USB ports instead of sound cards. Even with Canadian prices they're not that expensive.