In general, for newer laptop models, is it generally possible to add an internal sound card, or are external USB cards the only option for many / most? Some come w/ discrete sound cards - most don't. Some new laptop specs I've looked at say under "Expandability": ExpressCard slot (ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54), or other models may say: PCMCIA slots: 1 Type I/II; 1 ExpressCard/54, or other descriptions. ** Question is, what type of slot would current (reasonably priced - $100 or less?) notebook sound cards most likely need? ** What designation / wording in the specs description for open slots should I look for as far as future ability to add a sound card? Thanks.

What seems to be the problem with the built-in sound in these laptops? The ExpressCard slot is newer technology running on the PCI-e bus. The 34 & 54 are the width of the card in millimeters. PCMCIA is the "older" technology which runs on the PCI bus & is referred to as "Cardbus". I took a quick glance at newegg & there are no ExpressCard sound devices listed. Cardbus sound devices run well over $400, so your only option would be USB & there are plenty of those to choose from....

There's probably nothing wrong w/ the integrated sound cards for general use. Most of the laptops I'm looking at are customizable ones. Sometimes they have discrete graphic card as std equip. Of those, some may also offer upgrading to discrete sound card (or not). A few offer upgrading to one or both a discrete graphic & sound card. I'm guessing - if they don't offer upgrading for BOTH discrete graphic & sound cards, that particular MoBo only has a slot for one or other?

It is after all a Laptop. Not really designed to replace a desktop, although folks use them that way. If you are looking at a Gaming Laptop with a removable GPU you will spend a fortune on it. Cheaper to buy a Gaming desktop and a business laptop for travel. Just my opinion.

Thanks OTH, Was there an answer in there? :D

No, just my opinion.