New Laptop and hard drive advise

Why do you need a PC?

I am using a MAC Book Pro Computer (13") and the LaCie 3TB d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive. The MAC has a 2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz, 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM — 2x4G and a 128GB Solid State Drive.

All CD's are ripped to the LaCie hard drive using the AIFF format.

I think Tom gave you good advice. What I would add for your consideration is the use of Windows Server 2012 as OS and AudioPhil's Optimizer. While a laptop is not an ideal environment compared to a purpose built desktop PC, significant gains should be achieved by using these.

Thanks for the advice, I bought a WD mypassport ultra 1tb storage for the music. Do you think that might work?

Am using a 1 TB Seagate portable ext. HD w/MacBook Air. Works great.