connecting Mbox 2 to Macbook 13"

considering getting a standard Macbook 13" laptop soon, and needing a mobile setup to sub for my mixer which is too heavy to transport. reading all about probs with Mbox Pros connecting to Mac Pros bc of firewire 400 vs. 800 issues, but i'm interested in using USB interface on the standard MBox 2. anyone with experience on these 2 pieces of gear getting along?

wondering if Mbox USB will run on the power from the 2 outputs on the Mac?

are the 1/4" inputs stereo or mono, i.e. should i connect RCA devices to a single splitter 1/4" Y adapter or use 2 separate adapters to get stereo signal?

how well does Protools LE work with Ableton 7 and Traktor Stuido 3 on Mac?

also considering a LaCie 500gb firewire/USB external HD for storing WAVs which i've read can go from Mac to PC with no problems, advice on that would be welcome also.