Recording with garageband.

[Robert****]

I would recommend this Line 6 UX1. I have used my (older version) for years and it is super simple to use and the amp sims are great.

http://amzn.to/FPWlfl

Only $150 and it has an XLR input with a decent mic preamp as well, for vocals or miking something. Integrates easily with Garageband.

Features:

UX1 provides the lowest noise for recording guitar with 12dB more dynamic range than similar interfaces
POD Farm plug-in provides 18 guitar amps, 24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps and 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox and studio effects and 6 mic preamps in Mac® AU/RTAS®/VST® and Windows® RTAS®/VST® formats. Compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0
Free FX Junkie model pack adds 35 more effect models, including synths, filters, delays and more, to POD Farm. Ableton® Live Lite 8-track recording software
One 1/4-inch guitar input, one balanced XLR input with high-quality mic preamp and trim knob, two 1/4-inch line inputs, 1/4-inch stereo monitor input, two 1/4-inch analog outs, 1/4-inch headphone out
44.1/48 kHz 16-/24-bit recording (88.2/96 kHz with sample rate conversion)practicing and direct recording
POD Farm plug-in provides 18 guitar amps, 24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps and 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox and studio effects
Free FX Junkie model pack adds 35 more effect models, including synths, filters, delays and more, to POD Farm.
One 1/4-inch guitar input, one balanced XLR input with high-quality mic preamp and trim knob, two 1/4-inch line inputs
POD Farm plug-in provides 18 guitar amps, 24 guitar cabs, 5 bass amps & 5 bass cabs, 29 essential stompbox & studio effects
Free FX Junkie model pack adds 35 more effect models, including synths, filters & more, to POD Farm.
One 1/4-inch guitar input, one balanced XLR input with high-quality mic preamp and trim knob, two 1/4-inch line inputs,

[guitartango]

+ 1 Robert

I use the line 6 with a cheap mic to record my Marshall Amp , sounds are really good. For late night playing i use the amp sim, but there is nothing like a real amp being recorded.