USB audio devices

[amitr]

Hello,

The integrated sound card of my Gatway laptop computer does not work, and in order to avoid replacing the whole motherboard, I want to buy a sound device that would work through the USB.

I did some research and found out that there are sound blasters, audio cards, and audio controllers that plug in using the USB.

I would appreciate it if someone can explain briefly what's the difference between them and which one of them does not use the computer's audio device.

Thanks

[mrmister1]

External sound cards are just sound cards that work through the USB or Firewire port. A good cheap one to look at is this (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10702) one.

[HAL9000]

Well to totally avoid more stuff connected to your laptop (external sound card AND external speakers), take a look at a set of USB speakers.

[amitr]

But would USB speakers work when my audio device is not working?

[J1978]

But would USB speakers work when my audio device is not working?


I think it should work just fine.Let the pros on the site correct me if i'm wrong.

[HAL9000]

USB speakers don't require a sound card.

[goodstuff]

External sound cards are just sound cards that work through the USB or Firewire port. A good cheap one to look at is this (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10702) one.

I use this to connect to connect my laptop to my a/v receiver with the optical cable and it works great!