Speaker/Headphone Jack Issue

Hi everyone,

I recently received my T400 and am extremely satisfied with it. However, one concern that remains is the location of the headphone jack on the front lip of the machine. I can see how the location would be good if one primarily used headphones, but it's been causing problems for my speaker setup.

I've had the same speakers for a while now, and the plug is getting a little temperamental: it works fine if it's plugged in and the wire comes straight out, but if the wire has to turn significantly it causes the signal to cut in and out.

This was manageable with my old laptop, because the headphone jack was on the side. However, it has proven to be a serious problem now that I'm using my T400. The way I see it, the wire either has to bend almost 180 degrees to go over the back of my desk, or it has to go under the front of my desk, which seems likely to result in damage to either the wire or my laptop as a result of it getting snagged on my legs.

It seems to me that I have two options:

a) get an extension cable (which may simply result in the extension cable getting damaged in the same way as is my existing cable)
b) purchase one of those external USB sound cards. this is really not a viable option for me, seeing as I've already spent a ton of money as it is, but it is nevertheless a potential solution

How have people addressed this issue with their laptops? Has it proved to be a problem, or am I in the minority here? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Isaac

 

Buy a right angle 3.5mm plug like this one.

I don't really like the front port headphone jack either but right angle plugs can be a decent workaround.

 

I do the same thing as you're describing into my stereo. I would strongly suggest the right angle plug, as the straight ones tend to get jerked out sideways and ruin your jack (trust me, from experience).

 

Hmm, ok I'll go get one of those right angle plugs and see how it works. Thanks!

 

option 3 is to buy a dock, which is an additional chunk of change but also comes with additional power adapter which is always handy. The dock is also good for easily picking up your laptop from your desk setup.