Hi Rochey,
I use a laptop, logic, and a Mini-me for stereo stuff. I have recently discovered "Aggregate device" in core audio(mac), which enables you to use a number of firewire devices simultaneously, and up the mic count!. I also have M=Powered protools, but generally need zero-latency monitoring, which is not available. For this reason, I would always recommend Logic for this. Your options are far greater for matching hardware to job-in-hand.
I think the Duet is absolutely astonishing for the money. I am glad I bought a Mini-me when they were still being made, since it has digi out, limiter/compressor etc, not to mention Proper COnnectors instead of a moulded snake, but none the less, I recommend the duet wholeheartedly. It also works perfectly with the mini-me in aggregate device. Seamless integration, acting just like one device! I recently did a location recording, using Mini-me, duet, and a cheepo focusrite sapphire. 8 inputs, and I was expecting heaps of clicks, drop-outs, driver issues etc, but no! smooth as a Cashmere codpiece.
I wouldn't hesitate to hire-in a stand-alone hard-disk recorder for a one-off live, unrepeatable gig, but most of what i do remote is overdubs, often lead vocals/bv sections, brass section, drums, etc. so, ultimately repeatable. I always take redundant system back-up, ie, the wife's macbook, spare cloned system HD, spare audio devices, etc expecting the worst, and so far, (without tempting fate, I hope!) NOTHING has ever let me down. I have never lost a take, or had a crash under fire. I believe the technology has finally really caught up, and I find the experience liberating. I have recorded master vocals in hotel rooms, holiday cottages, Concert-hall dressing-rooms, garden shed, farmyard barns, garages, a splitter bus, and even, an airport lounge( in reality, that was just one phrase we had to change, but hey!). The lines between song-writing and production are becoming increasingly blurred, and "demo-itis" is a disease long since confined to the history books, just so long as we put the effort in at the front end. The original "vibe" is good enough for the final product, and that keeps the artist really happy. They HATE re-doing something for technical reasons, and patching up is increasingly seamless, ambience and artistic temperament notwithstanding!
All the artists I have worked with recently have used a laptop rather than a hard-disk recorder for playback at live shows recently, and I cannot recall a catastrophic crash. Last "embarrassing moment" I recall was actually with a stand alone hard-disk recorder!
Kindest regards,
ANdyP