Mike,
The UA25 runs off of USB power. I am also considering a solid state recorder. I do not know if I will choose the laptop route or thr solid state or both. I want to have flexibility. They are no tapers in my area that I am aware to consult for face to face advice.
Well keep in mind that if you run mics into that thing you might drain the battery in you laptop pretty quickly. Depends on the mics, and the laptop.
The UA5 is pretty easy to find used and/or cheap on eBay. I personally like to stick with products that have been tested in the field and proven to work. I'd say about 1 in 4 tapers I run into use a UA5.
I think the battery option (which allows for the solid state option), and the fact that the UA5 has been used extensivly in the field makes it a better choice.
You really should give Doug Oade a call (or email him). He's a great guy. He really helped me out.
Here is a link to the UA5 from Oade:
http://oade.com/digital_recorders/Digital_Converters/Edirol_UA5.htmlSince it sounds like you plan on taping from the board most of the time there isn't really a need to get any of the preamp mods right away. They will do them later (but ONLY if you buy the UA5 from them).
If you think you can mod it yourself you can get one cheaper from eBay. There are instructions around here somewhere on how to do your own digi mod. If you don't feel comfortable with that you might be able to convince someone here that is good with a soldering iron.
I think solid state is the way of the future. Go with the UA5. You won't be disapointed.
MIKE