I Think Jamin/Audacity will be a killer combination for simple
recording.
I think there are a lot better homestudio cards available for the same
price available on the market.(under $250 or so)
http://www.audiotrak.net/
Related to egosys, probably not supported in alsa yet, haven't checked,
but if it's based on ice chip it should be possible.
http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=2220&category=754&m…
Not sure about this one.
And of course m-audio.
my 2c.
Marek