I use a Pro Tools Digi-002 rack remotely. I've used it with a desktop PC (large show with a couple days' setup time), with a Powerbook G4, and with my Dell XPS laptop.
Before recording any show with your DAW setup, do a burn-in test first. Set up your computer, hard drives, interface, and DAW session exactly as you plan to at the show. Then, hit record. It doesn't matter too much if nothing is coming in, you're looking to see if it quits on you. (Feed it if you want to.)
My 002R live setup is pretty utilitarian-grade stuff. Digi-002R, Presonus Digimax LT preamp to ADAT input, dbx 386 preamp to S/PDIF input, Mackie Onyx mixer (for preamps, to analog inputs). The aforementioned computers, and a properly fast external USB (2.0!!) or Firewire hard drive. You can also get external hard drive enclosures with eSATA connections, which are faster. You can pick up eSATA controllers that go in the laptop's Express Card slot.
Here is a sample of a local band that I recorded in a coffee shop off the live board (Mackie Onyx 1620). Analog direct outs from the board to analog inputs on the Digi-002. Drum mics were not amped (except for the kick), and went straight to the Digimax pre. Lead vocal mic is Shure Beta 87A, EV Raven on guitar amp, EV Raven on kick, Beta 57 on Snare, pair of Audio-Technica AT4033s for overheads.
http://www.tewsnet.com/dropbox/JMSample.mp3Mix is a bit rough, but should give you the general idea.