Notebook Audio (PCMCIA) Recommendation

[wontanamo]

I recently got one and would like to share a few things about it:
0) price: $129
1) background noise: it's substantially lower than my laptop soundcard, but it is definitely audible. Whether or not it would bother you, i don't know. What's okay about it is that operation of laptop such as HD spinning doesn't seem to affect the background noise (unlike stock soundcard). I would like to hear the Indigo if I get a chance...
2) it turns any DVD-Rom into DVD-Audio player. a modest plus in terms of features. Highs get very clear and more "roomy"
3) virtual-surround stuff etc. are gimmicks, but gives you something to play with. It comes with a dongle for multi-speaker setup, but that's not why i bought the card.
4) provides mini-toslink in & out! haven't tried it yet, but i do have a MD player that can benefit
5) one thing bad: makes the palm rest very very hot & uncomfortable. oh also, no analog volume control like in Indigo... (but the bundled driver makes volumen change increments smaller than stock WinXP one)

 

[breadnbutter]

Just want to add that the analog volume control of the Indigo is really nice - I am using it all the time. Only at very low volumes the difference between left and right chanel gets audible.

The features of the Audigy are quite impressive, if you have use for them. Interesting that it gets hot as well (as stated in the previous post).