I'm looking to pick up an interface for multitracking into my laptop...
I'd like to record at least 8 tracks simultaneously, with at least 4
preamps... Ideally I'd like it to be light and portable, and have
enough knobs that I don't need to lug around a mixer too. MIDI I/O
would be nice but not necessary.

I'd prefer the $300-600 range (or less if possible, but I haven't seen
much that looks worthwhile much lower).

Some that I'm considering a

Presonus Firepod
M-Audio Firewire 1814
Edirol FA-101
Tascam FW-1804
Lexicon Omega Studio

Anybody have any personal experience with these? Any others you'd
recommend?

Thanks,
chris.

P.S. While browsing, I came across the Audiotrak Maya44 USB... It's
not what I'm looking for but it looks like it might be worth snatching
up as a cheapo backup for quick field recordings... 4 channels I/O for
$149.. Anybody tried one of these?