Vostro 1400 5.1 Sound Card Question...

I just received my first laptop - Vostro 1400 and I am extremely happy with it. However, I have a few concerns about the sound. I know the SigmaTel does not support 5.1 and I was look at other alternatives. So far I have found:

1) Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook ($65) + docking module (~$40)

2) Turtle Beach USB SRM (~$75)

Which one would produce better sound? Which one takes more power to run on battery - ExpressCard or USB?

Also, I have read a few other threads that claim that it is possible to upgrade to the Audigy Advanced HD software package. I called Dell and they said its not possible and I downloaded the drivers/Sound Blaster MB package but it says I cannot upgrade. Is there any other way to upgrade since it is a software update and not hardware?

 

Express Card is a faster transfer, and the Xpress card is a better sound card anyway, so id get that one, also in my opinion the expresscard fits in there and feels more secure, that could just be me though, Be careful though, i knoe PC Cards run hot, so Xpress card most likely does also. Still i reccromend the Sound Blaster

 

I doubt if the interface type matters much. USB should have more than enough bandwidth for any sound device. Other aspects of the sound device will matter more than the interface type. Although the expresscard has the advantage of fitting nicely in the slot. And the USB has the advantage of also working with computers that don't have an expresscard slot.

 

Does anyone own the Turtle Beach SMR? I just want to know how the sound compares in general.

Also can I still get an upgrade to Audigy Advanced HD software package? If so, how?

 

Hey guys, You can get 5.1 sound with default hardware and drivers (at no cost). Please follow the link to my other post. Cheers

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=259508