EXS 24 Logic Sampler Users Group

I should be receiving my copy of Logic Studio any day now.  But I'm 
impatient.  

My understanding is that  Logic is supposed to take better advantage of 
multi-channel mixes and the like, able to burn DVD-As, etc.  At the 
moment I'm using my iBook G4 more and more live and am repeatedly 
stunned by what little I can actually do with a product with so many 
features.  In THEORY, I've noticed EXS24 can already use multiple audio 
outs, although PRACTICALLY I can't because my computer keeps crashing 
my audio interface (ALWAYS losing sync at critical moments).  

My new MacBook Pro will hopefully correct this problem, but I currently 
have NO idea when it will come in.  In the meantime, can someone out 
there who already uses Logic 8 tell me from experience how or if at all 
the new version has improved or enhanced what you're doing?

I'm also curious how EXS is integrated with Mainstage.  The Apple 
website makes everything look good in that reality distortion field.  
I'm curious how actual USERS are doing with the new software.