If you need to rec 32 tracks, compactness and portability are just a dream. Plus you need backup, I can't see how you can configure a "compact" setup!!!
Why would you buy a laptop?? Internal hard drives are not big and are not fast. I would try to get a small desktop, if you want to stay PC get a
Shuttle barebone, if you want to jump to Mac, get an
iMac.
Good luck!
