Sound Blaster Audigy 4

Pros: Simple installation takes place with no profanity or hair-pulling and the auditory results are gratifying.

Cons: Probably unattractive to the hip, slick & cool gadget-oriented crowd.

The Bottom Line: A thumbs-up with no hesitation. It works beautifully, is unencumbered by superficial "enhancements" and installed with consummate ease.

Review: This cheap ($29.00) upgrade has been a pleasant surprise on a few levels. I’d never bought a really fancy-shmancy soundcard before now, having always thought – apparently mistakenly – that whatever came with the current motherboard was good enough. I ...

Pros: Superb upgrade to on-board audio. Clear, crisp sound at a budget price.

Cons: Could cause you to spend more on speakers and music!

The Bottom Line: I am SO glad I made this little purchase. It has dramatically changed my computing experience.

Review: For years, I've claimed "I don't do much with my computer, why do I need a sound card?" What I didn't stop to consider was that I might do more if it sounded better! I recently upgraded to Windows Vista and the lowest denominator in my Vista ...