Mbox 2 Questions

[tisza]

Alright, well my band was recording a few days ago with a kid we know who has the Digi Rack 002. I really liked pro tools. Now im thinking of getting an Mbox.

http://www.digidesign.com/products/mbox2/

Not to record the whole band (But could i do that? I have a mixer.) but I wanted one so I could record myself, then record over myself to see how stuff sounds. I just have a few questions about it. I can use both direct in and record with a mic right? I was also wondering if my computer can run it, because I know there are a lot of compatibility problems with Digi products. Here are my specs.

AMD Athlon 64 3700+
1 gig ram
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
Integrated Sound, but its pretty good

Is there anything else you need to know?

Also is it even worth it? Are there better products out there? I really liked pro tools and would definitly like to learn it. Its kinda come down to either this or a half stack, even though I could easily afford both. I might have some more questions in the future, but thank you for now.

[introspective]

The mbox 2 is good unit. I am a pro recording engineer and I have used many a pro tools system. The mx2 has two line inputs and outputs and two mic inputs. so you can record two microphones at once. it has 32 tracks so you can record up to 32 things at once. more if u use virtual tracks. If you want to record a whole band I would suggest you buy a digi 002 rack. Your computer will run pro tools mbox. and As far as for the money. it is a cheap professional easy to use product. there is better out there but not for anywhere close to the same price. the mbox is perfect for overdubs and mixing your final project.

[tisza]

Oh yeah, another question, do I need monitors? Or can I just use regular computer speakers? Also is there anything else I really would need? Also is there anything else that I would need to get to use this? So about the two inputs. This means I could plug say 2 guitars in (or mic them, or whatever), and use one as a scratch track and record the other?

I know a little about recording, but I want to learn more. So would this be a good start?