Soundcard or USB Interface?

[r4m]

I'm thinking about getting a sound card for my computer but I see some usb interfaces as well. I've been using a 16 bit multi-track recorder till now.
Which is better for recording a sound card or usb interface? I am thinking about recording at 24 bit. Is it better. I can hear a difference on tracks recorded by others and mine. I am using a Zoom MRS 1044. Is it just because it is a cheaper recorder or because I am recording at 16 bit?
thanks

[Gerk]

I'd suggest to you an external interface, USB or firewire, as I've stated before.  The shelf-life on cards gets shorter all the time but external units are very easy to take along to the next DAW.  Just my $0.02   (from someone looking at having to kick out about $900 in upgrades for cards so that I can also update my DAW)

Mark

[Tacman7]

I would just add that I think firewire would be your first choice if your shopping performance over price. If you could loan me some money I'd buy an RME fireface.

[r4m]

Thanks guys. I am looking to keep it as cheap as I can at this point.