Production Assembling the first studio

[Kling Klang]

I'm going to use cubase sx software, can you advise me studio components for the first time.
I have laptop and ,i think, i need at least following:
1. Soundcard (or audio interface? can you explane the difference)(How is it usually hooked in to a laptop).
2. Speakers
3. Amplifier (pls name some models i can use)
4. MIDI keyboard.

I can afford to spent around 800-900 USD.

[sharpie]

Re: Assembling the first studio

1 I just started looking at sound cards again for myself, so I am not too knowledgeable yet, but maybe the new lower end focusrite or presonus interfaces may fit, they seem to be good feature wise. If you already have the computer you are going to use, make sure it works with SX and the soundcard you are planning to get (sometimes there are issues with firewire and usb2 and there may be issues especially oni PC with things like Vista and XP SP2.
2 and 3 Get a pair of the entry level self powered monitors it will be cheaper than separate amp and monitor systems. Most of the best studio monitors are self powered anyway. When you really get into it, or you learn enough about engineering, you WILL buy good monitors.
4 Get the cheapest midi interface you can find for starters unless you can already play piano.
My budget would be around $400 sound card. $350 pair of self powered monitors. and $150 tops for the midi interface (a good way to go is buy any old synth on ebay you'll end up spending as much as a new interface.
Good Luck!

[Kling Klang]

Re: Assembling the first studio

How many outpits and inputs must sound card have?
Must they be digital or analog?
Can you propose apropriate USB sound card, my laptop does not have pcmcia slot.