Do any laptops come with a SPIF output built-in?

[DonBlack]

Are there PCMCIA cards that could offer an after-market solution? Perhaps that come with an S-VIDEO/composite out as well? Thanks.

 

[bacillus]

I think the dell inspiron 8100 & 8200 have that interface!

 

[bacillus]

8200 specs

 

[DonBlack]

Thanks!

 

[AppleTalking]

Yeah, my Inspiron 8100 has an interface that hooks up to a breakout box which provides SPDIF out, composite out, and S-Video out. Really useful for TV out and hooking up to digital speakers and stuff. Highly recommended; although make sure you get the fastest hard drive you can, that seems to be the bottleneck on my system.

Nick

 

[DonBlack]

Hmmm...do you happen to know if the 8200 has it built-in now (that's what I thought from reading the specs)? Or does the 8200 still need the breakout box? Also, approximately how big is the breakout box? Thanks again.

 

[AppleTalking]

The port layout on the 8200 looks suspiciously similar to my 8100, so I think it still uses the breakout box. The thing is approx. 2-3" wide and about 1" high and 1" deep; it has a small (probably 3-6") cable to connect it to the laptop. If you really want, I can break out (no pun intended) my tape measure .

Nick

 

[Mavrick007]

I saw in a mag the other day an Alienware laptop (lime green) that has SPDIF too so they do exist in laptops and not in just one particular brand. Things are getting better for laptops but it takes time and lots of $bucks.

 

[MC Webster]

I have a Dell I8200. It has spdif output. However, beware about connecting this spdif to creative speakers that have an spdif in. Creative speakers' spdif will only connect to a creative soundcard. This is what I have discovered first hand. If anyone knows how to get around this, please let me know!

 

[vetteguy]

Are you talking about optical out? If so, the Gateway Solo I'm using (I think a 7500) has optical audio out on the side.

 

[DonBlack]

MC: Does the 8200 need a breakout box? Or is the SPDIF built-in?

Vette: Yes, we're talking about the optical output. Thanks for the Gateway info!