External Audio Adapters

The Bottom Line: The reasonably priced Creative Xmod does a remarkable job of making audio sound brighter, deeper, and more vibrant.

Specs: USB, Apple MacOS X 10.3.4, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, None

The Bottom Line: Budding laptop DJs will appreciate the way this compact portable device turns any laptop into a DJ rig, but for pros, it doesn't come close to the sound quality and tactile nature of vinyl.

Specs: USB, Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP, 5.1 channel surround, None

The Bottom Line: Budding laptop DJs will appreciate the way this compact portable device turns any laptop into a DJ rig, but for pros, it doesn't come close to the sound quality and tactile nature of vinyl.

Specs: USB, Apple MacOS X 10.2.6 or later, 5.1 channel surround, None

The Bottom Line: Plugged into a USB port, the ultracompact Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro affordably adds a shared headphone jack/optical digital-audio output to your PC or laptop.

Specs: USB, Apple MacOS X or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3 or later, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, Stereo

The Bottom Line: Laptop owners looking to boost their audio and increase their home entertainment capabilities should check out the new Creative USB Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX.

Specs: Hi-Speed USB, Microsoft Windows XP SP1, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP3, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, 7.1 channel surround, None

The Bottom Line: An eminently portable USB audio solution, the Hercules Gamesurround Muse Pocket USB delivers basic 5.1-audio functionality with minimal fuss.

Specs: Hi-Speed USB, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, 5.1 channel surround

The Bottom Line: If you don't mind stringing a wire from your PC to your stereo, the Pro HiFi-Link's sound quality shines.

Specs: USB, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, Stereo, None

The Bottom Line: The Hi-Fi-Link is an inexpensive way to pipe stereo audio through your computer's USB port.

Specs: USB, Apple MacOS 9.0.4 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, Stereo, None

The Bottom Line: This external sound card works great for watching DVDs, listening to tunes, or recording audio on your computer.

Specs: USB, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, 5.1 channel surround, None

Specs: USB, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, 5.1 channel surround, None