[LAU] USB audio interface support?

Hi all, two quick questions (new to this list, let me know if I'm doing this wrong), 1) What's support like on Linux on the USB Audio Interfaces? Specific list below. I guess this is pretty much a 'does alsa support these devices', at the current moment? Obviously this is the primary requirement compared to 2). 2) I've got a Shure SM57 dynamic mic which needs amp-ing to get a useable signal for my laptop. Instead of just getting a pre-amp I was figuring I may as well get a USB audio interface, enabling me to finally use the MIDI output of my Korg as well as record a presumably good signal direct from my SM57. I've seen various complaints on the Fast Track Pro, for example, that the SM57 volume is just too low for quiet recording (ex. recording accoustic guitar), and its been confirmed as an issue by one of their engineers (http://forums.m-audio.com/showthread.php?t=14610). So the second question is, is this a general issue with the SM57 and budget USB audio interfaces, or would one of the list below be better? I'm looking at the following interfaces:- a) M-Audio Fast Track Pro b) Alesis IO|2 Audio/Midi Interface c) Tascam US-144 USB 2.0 Audio and Midi Interface d) Edirol UA-4FX USB Audio/MIDI Interface Please feel free to recommend alternatives with similar feature set (XLR input, 1/4" input, some sort of MIDI is a preferred bonus). Thank you all.