Reply to Recommend me a sound card and Synth

Hi guys,

So, after playing with the demo for a month, I have purchased Live 8. I am a total newb when it comes to producing, but I am having fun learning, working with tutorials etc. At the minute I am using my macbook's internal soundcard through a pair of studio monitor headphones. Could you recommend me a decent soundcard that isn't too expensive? (I also DJ using Traktor with my VCM100's internal soundcard - could I use that for now?)

Also, as I couldn't afford Ableton Suite at the moment, I have no virtual synths. From all I have read, everyone recommends learning your gear inside out and so I intend to buy 1 VST and really go to town on that. What would you recommend? One of Abletons synths or something like NI's massive?

Sorry for all the Q's and thanks for your advise.