I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 (laptop) with a 1.5 GHz Pentium M processor, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, and Windows XP/Pro SP2. This computer is old enough that there is only a monaural mic input--no analog stereo input.

I want to convert LP's to both Audio CD and MP3 format. I have an excellent (although old) stereo system. I don't need any preamplification. I can take the audio from either the headphone jack of the amplifier, or, perhaps, from one set of speaker connections and connect that audio to some sort of sound card or digitizer. I really don't want to buy a USB turntable--or a new computer.

My question is, what is the best choice of hardware? I have spent some time researching this issue (including searching this forum), but I am interested in any comments and/or suggestions on the following options:

1. External USB sound card. I have looked at the available specs on the Creative Live 24 Bit External card. There is zero quantitative info on analog audio specs. After several messages with Creative "tech support," it is clear they are unwilling or unable to answer my questions on frequency response, THD, input levels. In fact, they couldn't (or wouldn't) even tell me if the card is USB 2 compatible.

2. PCMCIA card. I have found only one advertised, from zzounds.com. And it has good quantitative analog audio specs. It is the Echo Indigo IO Stereo 24/96 Laptop Cardbus. The posted review is highly complementary, but also says that "This card needs PCI LATENCY 3.0 tool to function at its best." It is advertised at $200 (more than a USB turntable).

Is anyone familiar with this card? If so, do you have any comments on its quality/reliability? Does anyone have any experience with zzounds? If so, I am interested in hearing about it.

3. Some other internal audio card that can be installed in this laptop. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it even a good idea (I have seen numerous references to interference, even in desktops)?

4. One of the M-Audio products. I have seen references to these products in this forum (and others), but they have much more capability than I need (and are, therefore, more expensive than I want to pay). And, despite claiming to be professional products, there is no quantitative info on analog audio specs--at least on the website.

Does anyone have any experience with M-Audio Transit device? If so, I would like the hear about it.

5. The Roland/Edirol R-09 Wave/MP3 recorder. There is the usual problem: zero quantitative info on analog audio specs. Plus, it is flash memory based and may not be appropriate for my application. It is also very expensive. If anyone has one of these (or has used one), I would like to hear what you think about it for my intended application.

6. Find an acceptable PCI sound card and install it in my even older desktop, which is an eMachines T1070 with a 900 MHz Celeron processor, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB HD, and Windows XP/Home SP 2. I am not sure this will work, because of the processor speed--the current PCI sound cards I have seen advertised require a much higher processor speed.

That is what I have discovered to date. I would like to hear what contributors to this forum have to say about these choices. Perhaps I have missed a viable alternative,

Thank you for your help.

Most of what you have researched is not an area I have ever needed to go into but I'm sure someone here will be able to advise.

The one area that I have some experience is the Hi-Fi end. Does your Hi-Fi have a seperate cassette deck ?

If so, then connect the lead to the PC/laptop from the cassette in (amplifier cassette out) as these connections are the correct power rating and are not influenced by the volume control.

First off m8 you will only get good quality sound and the ideal interface at Line Level, If you have a half decent set up the amp or pre-amp should have a Line Output failing that use Record Out which should also be at Line level.

M Audio Transit should do the trick but if you run Vista just check that Vista drivers are available for this device. Couldn't believe there were no full tech specs at M Audio but you're dead right bandwidth for this device is quoted at 100dB which should be more than adequate for your needs. I'm recommending a USB device as you can use it with other PCs and you can place the device out of the way of any other gear which may cause interference.