software

I'm fairly new, so please don't bash me for posting about stuff that's already been done, I haven't had time to read through everything.

I used to record stuff mic'ing my 1X12 cab with a $50 mic I picked up in Korea. The mic is alright. I would go into my Tascam Analog 4-track from there and then record a bass track plugging straight in or using the xlr output of my amp.

Anyway, I want to jump into the world of digital and was curious if the M-Audio Black Box Amps/Effect/Drum Machine/Recording Interface would be good for plugging my guitar straight into, no amp or effects. It sounds like it would, but I'm not sure since I've never done too much with digital.

I'm looking for something with belivable tone. I went to musician's friend and listened to the sound samples for the POD stuff and it didn't really sound to good to me. Does anyone have one of the M-Audios so they can hook me up with some samples. Preferably heavily distortion, crunch, and sparkling clean. Also, how is the drum machine side of it? Is the software user friendly, but still versitile?

My cap is right at $300, so let me know whats worth my money.

Thanks

*Bump*