I have an HP dv1135us (about 6 yrs old) and the conextant sound card is faulty. Its a combo card that deals with my fax too. I'd like to replace that combo card, but the expense isn't worth it. Would an external sound card be my best bet? As it stands now all sound stutters and comes and goes whether I am on the internet or not. If an external sound card is a good idea, would you recommend any one over another?
Well, before you invest in an external card, try to reinstall the sound drivers from HP support site. But it that doesn't fix it, there certainly are a number of external USB sound cards that you can use in place of it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118107&cm_re=usb_sound_card-_-29-118-107-_-Product
Though I'm not certain whether it will be able to pass audio back through your main speakers on your laptop, it will allow you to hook it up to headphones or external speakers.
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