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Hi
This is all covered in the stickies man, I suggest you read those thoroughly. Basically, to get started, all you need is an audio interface for your laptop, a VST capable host (Cubase, Sonar(?), Reaper, FL Studio, etc.), some VST plugins (Synths & Effects) and some studio monitors (speakers). VST is a plugin standard for music stuff. Reason is ok for newbies, but you're almost guaranteed to have to upgrade because it doesnt support VST plugins; you might as well start on something more flexible.
Your laptop doesn't have a firewire port (from what I read) so you'll need a USB audio interface; I would get a Tascam US122L ($149US). For a VST host, get Reaper, it's "free" (after 30 days you have to wait 6 seconds for it to open, unless you register it). There are many people (such as myself) swapping from more expensive programs to Reaper, it's great. For now, just use whatever speakers you have lying around. PC speakers will do. When you have like $600US saved up, go and buy some decent ones and buy ONCE. That Tascam interface is very budget, but should suit your needs perfectly for the next 1-2 years at least. After that time you might want to look into getting something around the $500US mark.
Go to KVR for VST plugin recommendations.
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