Line-in: No longer available on Dell Inspirons?

Question

Well, my precious 8100 looks like it has finally died, or at least its video card has, and it's difficult to find replacements at this point. One of the features that I love about the 8100 is its capability for line-in, which looks like it's no longer available on any of the laptops that I priced out. Can someone confirm? I was looking at the 9300 and the 6000d in particular.   If this is the case, what's the best bet for things like transferring records to digital? An external sound card with line-in? Has anyone used a particular brand that's been good? Obviously, the sound quality that you'll get from the mic port isn't as good as a line-in, but how much of a difference is it?   Any input appreciated.

bacillus · Answer

IMO a creative audigy pcmcia card is the best option in your case.

spiked_martini · Answer

Hmm... looks like they go for $100USD, which is a little more than I was hoping to pay, but that would definitely be a solution to the problem. Thanks so much for the input! :)

http://ca.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=10769

Message Edited by spiked_martini on 10-14-2005 04:32 PM

Jim Coates · Answer

'Obviously, the sound quality that you'll get from the mic port isn't as good as a line-in, but how much of a difference is it?'

Since the mic jack is only mono I don't think it would do you any good.

A more budget-minded Soundblaster choice is their usb Live! card. While not up to the specs of the pcmcia card it should still outperform the Inspiron's integrated sound system.

Jim

spiked_martini · Answer

The Live! external device also seems to be more widely available in my area, so I think that's what my preferred recording device would be. I'm basically just transferring old cassette to digital, so I'm not that fussy about sound quality.   Thanks to you both for the feedback!

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