Yep, new laptop...
Still looking at soundcard options...
...I just want decent audio capabilities for the laptop, even stereo in/out will be fine. I can use it for editing, mastering, generating realtracks, etc. just won't be doing any multitracking with it, at least that is not the plan at this point.
Your Digitech RP150 will make a useful pre-amp for electric instruments (or a high impedance mic), and hook up to your laptop with it's USB port. It will output 16/44.1 and 24/44.1.
Jimi Pocius has done some amazing productions with just his old laptop, Audacity, and no special soundcard:
http://www.kara-moon.com/index.php?modid=mod03&l_submenu_id=m001_03_06&artist=Pink%20Jimi%20Photon