Well latency is, despite what you read, 100% dependant on how your computer runs. So if you have a dated model you're going to get latency and the normal thing a person does when they experience latency is turn down the resolution (consequently turning down quality) or the buffer size which can increase latency during playback. Now if you're going to get a new computer soon, then you want to go with something a little better for recording.
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It actually has a small DSP built in, which will reduce the CPU Usage of your computer to run multiple plug ins. It has standard 24 bit recording. And is fully compatible with Pro Tools M-Powered which is a godsend for recording.
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Now this is the standard in consumer level recording. It's the closest thing you'll get to Pro Tools HD. However it's not the highest priced Digidesign product in this range. Comes with Pro Tools.
Those would be my two choices.