Product Description

The PCMCIA Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook opens a new era of possibilities for the notebook user. It delivers features previously only available to PC users but now available to notebook users (even those that are highly mobile). This is achieved by combining ultra-high quality audio with advanced, hardware-accelerated features all in a tiny PCMCIA format card! For instance it delivers THX certified 24-bit ADVANCED HD audio quality playback with incredible 104dB SNR, allowing the highest resolution audio playback with support for DVD-Audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz and Windows Media 9: 24-bit multi-channel audio format.The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook also provides encompassing 7.1 surround sound for Dolby Digital EX as well as DTS-ES supported DVD movies; any DirectSound3D games and CMSS 3D virtualized 7.1 stereo music. Gamers will love the hardware accelerated EAX 4.0 ADVANCED HD that not only brings games to life, but delivers maximum performance! Musicians will also enjoy true 24-bit recording and low latency ASIO support for the ultimate audio recording platform. Notebook audio just got very, very interesting!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17365 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Creative Labs
• Model: 70SB053000012
• Dimensions: .96 pounds

Features

• Superior Home Theater sound quality for all your music, movies, and games
• Rich, high-fidelity, 24-bit audio with 256 times the clarity of your basic notebook sound
• Enjoy music, movies and games in virtual surround on headphones or full surround on 5.1 or 7.1 speakers
• Make your digital music sound dramatically better with EAX ADVANCED HD Music Tools
• Experience game sound effects so realistic that you'll feel like you are actually in the game

From the Manufacturer
For the First Time Ever, Premium Sound Blaster Quality for Your Notebook - At Home or On-the-Go!

The PCMCIA Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook opens a new era of possibilities for the notebook user. This sound card delivers features previously only available to PC users but now available to notebook users (even those that are highly mobile). This is achieved by combining crystal clear audio with advanced, hardware-accelerated features all in a tiny PCMCIA format card! For instance it delivers THX certified 24-bit ADVANCED HD audio quality playback with incredible 104dB SNR, allowing for audiophile quality playback with support for DVD-Audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz and Windows Media 9: 24-bit multi-channel audio format.

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook also provides encompassing 7.1 surround sound for Dolby Digital EX as well as DTS-ES supported DVD movies; any DirectSound3D games and CMSS 3D virtualized 7.1 stereo music. Gamers will love the hardware accelerated EAX 4.0 ADVANCED HD that not only brings games to life, but delivers maximum performance! Musicians will also enjoy true 24-bit recording and low latency ASIO support for the ultimate audio recording platform. Notebook audio just got very, very interesting!

Customer Reviews

Excellent card, watch compatibility issues
I got this card for my laptop, a not very expensive one. If I had known some compatibility issues before installing it, I would have been done installing in 30min. But here is the compatibility issue: Windows Vista. I assume it works perfectly in other OS, but in Vista you need to download the drivers, for which there are two options:

-The official one, from Creative Labs. Most of the advanced settings don't work, lots of error messages (I also got a blue screen while installing).

-Non official: easy to find online, an .iso image with just what you need to have more options and software.
Contras: Doesn't include Surround Mixer, Speaker calibration utility, THX console or Equalizer.
Pros: some other options do work, like EAX console and emulation, also includes game compatibility software. (never got a blue screen while installing)

Personally, I installed this non-official ADAPTED creative drivers version, and I'm really happy with the sound (got it working in 30min) and hopefully getting a 7.1 speaker system soon.

Would I recommend it for vista users?
...get a 100% compatible card if you can. You'll be able to use all the software included.

Would I recommend it for XP users?
ABSOLUTELY. It's THX Certified!

When laptop speakers won't cut it
I've had this card since it was new to the market because my laptop is all I need as far as computing but those laptop speakers just don't cut it for my music passion. I bought some speakers that just plug into the computer but it just doesn't have the capacity to transmit the sound without error so I decided to buy this card and WOW ! it encodes the music into such a pristine state that I have actually had people compliment the sound of my music as better than the exact same CD they have. If you appreciate sound for music or games this card will complete your life.

Do you need an adapter?
I never got to use mine because I was unaware I needed an adapter to use it on my laptop. Be sure to check the specs. The adapter isn't cheap!