Multi-channel sound on a laptop

[JknowWhat]

I was just curious if any laptops out there are capable of outputting multi-channel sound. For instance, for 4.1 it requires 2 plugs, and for 5.1 and above, it requires 3 plugs or a single digital one. I know somewhere I've seen some software that changes the layout of the Line out, Line in, and Microphone jacks to whatever it would need to be (ie: 5.1) but I cannot seem to find it. Any info would be appreciated! :beer:

 

[Bryans]

I have never seen one, I believe an external solution will be your best bet for multi-channel sound.

 

[Connoisseur]

Yeah as far as speaker output goes, you're going to have to rely on an external solution for your laptop (such as the Sound Blaster eXtigy). Unfortunately even the best laptop makers (Voodoo, Alienware etc.) don't include decent sound support because of complexity in integrating the chip and space constraints (for the output ports).

 

[Yaotl]

some of the sager notebooks have digital output

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Yaotl
some of the sager notebooks have digital output

As do some Fujitsus

 

[jschuk]

Toshiba 5105 and 5205 series have digital outs that support AC3.