Consider this,
Depending on what laptop you have, you might succeed in recording audio but your best bet would be a desktop PC. Notebooks usually have slower HD´s and that is a important factor when recording audio (especially multi-track). Also, most laptop computers have low end CPU´s, also a drawback if you want to play around with plug-in effects.
Any chance of Santa stuffing a PC/Mac (MAC!) into your stocking this year? That way you could have everything you need to record (rhythm tracks, amp modeling) Check out my thread on Guitar Combos for a cheap but really good amp modeling software!
If you only plan to record one instrument at the time, you dont need a external sound card. Most modern sound cards can handle the low latency required for recording.
So a new computer could be the answer to your questions, I hope this helps you a bit on your quest for top notch studio recordings
I can't say that I've given up on a flanger cause I've never liked the effect either. I also can't say the same about Tremolo. I hate them both equally. - Tone2TheBone 2009