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    New audio config option for E1705/9400??

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by BatBoy, Apr 27, 2006.

  1. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I just noticed this on Dell's E1705/9400 customization options...

    Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD Audio [add $20]

    WTF??? :confused:

    Does anyone know anything about this? How are they integrating this?

    I feel kind of cheated since the only audio available when I ordered was the Sigmatel Integrated Audio... which, we all know blows. :eek:
     
    BatBoy, Apr 27, 2006
    #1
  2. jujube

    jujube Notebook Deity

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    yup - they've had this for 2-3 days now. I believe it's soddered right onto the MB.
     
    jujube, Apr 27, 2006
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  3. Jason

    Jason Overclocker NBR Reviewer

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    So is this built in $20 soundcard as good as creatives $100 external laptop sound cards? Finally a decent built in sound card in a laptop. This has taken a while..
     
    Jason, Apr 27, 2006
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  4. mini

    mini Notebook Consultant

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    No, this is NOT similar to the Audigy 2 cards...

    It's a pure software implementation on top of the regular Sigmatel STAC9200 chips that you already had in the 9400s.

    More info see here:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=50342

    Also, this does NOT give you surround outputs except for 5.1 S/PDIF passthrough on DVD movies, which you have already.
     
    mini, Apr 27, 2006
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  5. mini

    mini Notebook Consultant

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    Actually, you should even be able to buy this package afterwards. Check the drivers section in www.dell.com.
     
    mini, Apr 27, 2006
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  6. nick_danger

    nick_danger Notebook Consultant

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    Those jerks! Hmm... the price of the option is back up to about $40, I'd rather put that toward the Audigy PCMCIA option... unless performance is the same, then I don't care...
     
    nick_danger, Apr 27, 2006
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  7. mini

    mini Notebook Consultant

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    The Audigy 2ZS is much better.

    However, the PCMCIA card won't work in the e1705, as it has no PCMCIA slot ...
     
    mini, Apr 27, 2006
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  8. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yes it is.
     
    gridtalker, Apr 27, 2006
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  9. nick_danger

    nick_danger Notebook Consultant

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    D'oh! I forgot about that... I think that's a deal-killer for me. I NEED digital audio output or 6-channel analog output. I'm not sure I can pass up this deal, is there any word from Creative or other top-tier audio companies about ExpressCard devices?
     
    nick_danger, Apr 27, 2006
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  10. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    There are currently no audio products for the ExpressCard, and the last I heard Creative has no plans to develop one. Your best bet is to get a USB audio device like the Audigy 2NX.
     
    kegobeer, Apr 27, 2006
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  11. Garbuckle

    Garbuckle Notebook Consultant

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    nick:

    you might be able to find the combo svideo/spdif output adapter somewhere (for some reason it's not listed as an option on the US site). That enables coaxial digital output. Your other option would be a usb card like a SB Live! or Audigy NX.
     
    Garbuckle, Apr 27, 2006
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  12. mini

    mini Notebook Consultant

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    As Garbuckle said, digital passthrough of 5.1 DVD movie sound is no problem if you just get the right adapter.

    The problem is 5.1 gaming sound... you'll need an external sound card. Creative support said the following when I asked about expresscard:

    Very informative...
     
    mini, Apr 27, 2006
    #12