Gale,

While some here do just that I would add that your individual level of success will be determined by the type of show/performance you will do. For instance if you are just doing vocals and do not have to perform a large number of tunes the MP3 should do fine. But for me personally with a bank of 900 or so tunes from which to prepare a 35-40 tune play-list for an hour's show at which I play guitar on every tune it just does not do the job.

Of course I will be the first to admit that I have become dependent on the laptop screen for chords, keys and lyrics more and more.

As stated I am sure you will get many varying opinions here but the laptop is the magic charm for me on live gigs.

Later,