Hey, In this laptop I've got I always hear some background noise when it's working, like its inner process sound gets out to the speakers. I hear it mostly when using headphones, it's really annoying, is it common? I'm about to buy an external audio interface, but now I'm wondering if this is something permanent and might still be there despite new sound device. Anyone got any idea bout it? Thanks.

There is a possibility of any number of issues. Radio, emf, radar, cell phone....so on... all can react with pn junctions and produce a whole range of noise. Does it do it with only the battery installed and no external power source? Does it do it exactly the same when the laptop is moved to a different location? Did it ever work correctly? If you suspect any damage or danger, remove it from service and have it repaired. Consider calling the HP service and have it repaired or replaced. My guess is still C3 Cheap Chinese Cr*p. Although in all fairness it could be (and is most likely) cheap cr*p produced in any number of countries. Laptops are not known to be quality audio devices. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, are in my top 10

Do you still hear background noise when you play an audio CD or mp3 music from your PC ? If the loudspeakers volume is on to the full extent, you may hear some static noise. So just try to lower the volume to the middle and then listen for background noise. Even Home Theater equipment generates noise when you turn the volume up. Hope the above helps. Regards SuatCINI

Thanks for your answers, I've emailed HP Support and will see what they say about the problem. I realise that it might just be about those crappy audio devices that they put in laptops, but I don't want that problem to occur when I buy a new audio interface. Kimmi