[Onchorhynchus]

My laptop audio connection works only sporadically. It's either on or off, but when it's off, no matter what I do there's no connection, then suddenly it's there working fine, until it simply quits working again on its own. I suspect it's the input hardware, so my question is, how can I replace the audio input hardware?

[computerguy1990]

the quickest way I can think of would be to buy an external usb audio card seeing as its a laptop and its not as simple as poping open the case and poping in a pci audio card.

[Onchorhynchus]

I'm glad you said that. I just ordered a ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Laptop Sound Card.
Do you think that will work?

[computerguy1990]

dont see any reason why it wouldnt as long as your expansion port is working fine should show up as a second sound card under the device manager. Are you on windows xp or vista or 7?

That card should essentially work the exact same was as the usb one would. Just remember you will most likely have to disable the onboard sound card because it will most likely want to take presidence over the exapansion card.

[Onchorhynchus]

I'm on Vista. I think it should work fine. I just wonder if that audio connection glitch happens a lot.

[computerguy1990]

no Ive seen it happen in the odd older laptop thought