Well, we have a friend in NC who was unable to travel to New England. He will be on our next album because we were able to go to him and record him doing some of his songs at his home, using our laptop, studio mic and adapter. (We do have an old laptop, by the way, but it's mostly used by my husband and I need to get my own).

I don't expect to do a lot of field recording but it may happen again. A big incentive is to get away from this inconvenient desktop and all the hardware involved, so if I can find an adequate laptop replacement that would resolve a couple of issues.

I appreciate the comments about recorders and other equipment, and I've put in time with minidisc, hand-held and other devices. I don't want another device, just a suitable laptop that will do the job while also keeping me connected. However, I'm listening to everything with an open mind.