iMic and a New Portable Recording Setup

I found out a way to use my Griffin iMic on my PowerBookG4 with out popping sounds or weird mic behavior. I just have to unplug all external drives and USB devices. Griffin recommends using their Powered USB Hub, but living here in Japan I know I'll have a hard time getting my hands on one. Plus I don't want to front for another USB hub. I still don't know how they could have made a PowerBook without a built-in audio mic-in jack.

I've taken over Hyun-joo's dormant MDPlayer/Recorder for my portable recording. I still have to use an analog line to transfer the sound to my computer, but what the heck. I can use an external mic while monitoring the sound... a huge plus. I don't want to spend the $450 for an Edirol R-1 so this will do nicely.