X-Fi Notebook - Questions

I am very tempted by the X-Fi XtremeAudio ExpressCard device, since it's pretty much the only option for people wanting sound superior than onboard (ick Sigmatel). This will be connected to a Creative Inspire T10 setup. Some questions though:

1) Reports on the net suggest that installing the X-Fi means the onboard will stop working, and will require a reinstall if you wish to use it again. At the same time, the X-Fi reportedly does not work with the onboard speakers. This is a pain in the *** because whenever I'm on the go (i.e away from the speakers), I may still want sound from something other than headphones. Is it really this awkward? This is enough to make me not purchase.

2) I Gather it does not support ASIO. The Sigmatel does however. Would the Sigmatel be the better option for music lovers, presuming the person is using an ASIO-compatible player like foobar on Winamp?

3) How far does it stick out? It's a factor of consideration given I purchased the m1330 over the m1530 because of size.

Thanks

 

for express type, yes; for USB/Firewire, NO

it WILL work with the onboard speakers, you just need to change the settings in the creative software

there are pictures on google.

You should try this: http://www.terratec.net/en/products/DMX_6Fire_USB_2084.html
I wish I live in England at this point because they don't sell it in US

 

I have the X-fi Surround USB sound card.

It works like a charm but for some reason it has a delay when playing my anime on media classic player, but setting a 125mh adjustment fixes that; oh this is with headphone out.
With the digital out (spdif) there is no delay.

Just got it so I didn't try a game yet.

 

I recommend you wait a couple weeks if you plan to purchase. Nirvana covered your questions but Creative is hosting a event about their X-fi line, meaning likely new releases.

 

That looks awesome. However, it also looks quite expensive

Putting gaming aside, does anyone know of a cheap USB device that can be used for music, using ASIO for maximum untouched quality?