Laptop Speakers

So I have an interesting setup with my new laptop. I decided to use it as a desktop replacement rather than taking it everywhere I go. I have a HP Pavilion dv2000 series notebook. Although the altec lansing speakers are nice, I have another altec lansing 7.1 speaker setup lying around and i decided to make use of it. I was wondering if a sound card exists that will put this 7.1 speaker setup to good use. I did some research and looks like my notebook does not have a PCMCIA slot, only an express slot So i narrowed my only options to buy a USB sound card. I took a look on newegg and found these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102174
which is a 5.1 sound usb card, but I want to make use of all 7 speakers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829118003
the turtle beach is a bit pricey and there's only one review on this and it doesn't seem very positive...Actually it makes it seem horrific

I'm not an expert in speakers or sound, so I humbly ask you notebook and USB experts. What would be best for me to make use of my 7.1 speaker setup with my laptop?

-Brian

 

Your notebook has an ExpressCard slot - you can get the Creative X-Fi Notebook card for it:
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=16642
It supports 7.1 surround sound.

Could you repost those links? I can't get to them.

 

hm, i don't see any 3.5mm jacks where i can plug the 3 cords from my speakers ito. is the card u posted about virtual surround sound? because im talking about physcially plugging in 3 diferent cables from my speaker to my laptop because it only has one headphone jack

 

Do you feel the X-Fi is worth it if you listen through a 2.1 setup. Music.

 

im confused. all i want is a card that has 3 diferent inputs so i can connect my speakers to my laptop because i hardly take it out.

 

you need to purchase this as well:

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=16741&campid=20445&WT.cg_n=Campaigns&WT.mc_id=3863

 

oh my, so i need the upgrade thing and also the xpress card as well? that's alot of money...

 

If your 7.1 system is just 'lying around', then perhaps it would be a better idea to sell it. I was unaware that that attachment was needed to get 7.1 sound . . . yes that is a lot of money together.

For only music, no. You would be better off with a USB sound card from M-Audio for that. The X-Fi is the best gaming soundcard. I have an X-Fi in my desktop and it sounds excellent for music, but the chief reason I bought it was for games. If I was only playing music I would have invested in a more hardcore sound card, aka one from M-Audio.
If you are satisfied with the integrated sound, stick with that. I don't want to hijack this topic any more than I already have so send me a PM and we can talk a bit more

 

agh, so what is virtual surround sound. Is it really what it's cut out to be? I saw a small little usb dongle that has a 3.5mm jack for headphones. what would that do?

 

Last I checked creative doesn't give surround sound anyways even with all the expensive stuff its just stereo thru 7 speakers and a sub.