[Jazzbass56]

Well I previously owned a HD3 accel on a G5 computer that rocked for years , and before that a 9600 with mix system, so I've come up with Pro tools, my system now is a MBP 2011 17" i7 quad core with. 16 gig ram, that computer just natively, beats hands down my previous systems, and combine that with the Apollo with real time FX processing when you track, it's like having a real analog desk, because you can record and print with EQ, FXs etc.and the converters are great! Now the native card with omni is a great.combination
, but if you do a lot of recording in a multi track situation, Apollo wins by a mile, and yes the TB option is nice.
So to recap Fast Mac + Apollo is my first choice
Fast Mac + Native card digi interface 2nd
HDX card is not a option for me anymore
Also if you want a DSP card Apollo has it, but you can only use UA plug which are very nice IMO
Now combine all that with the new PT 11HD and you have a system that blows away previous systems and version,and yes I'm waiting for certain plugs to be ported, but I've got enough now to totally record and mix a complete project no matter what. Also I did get VEP pro because I know some VI will never go AAX , so I can still use them