Windows 7: How to upgrade sound on laptop?

I'm looking for suggestions on how I could improve the audio quality, mainly for music, that I can get out of my laptop (T61p). It's not that bad now, but I'm sure it could be better, especially since I already have some very nice earphones.

I know I could get an external sound card with a pcmica interface, but the problem is that is a dying interface that will most likely not be supported in the next laptop I get, and I'm hoping I could find something that could be transferred to the next laptop I will probably get in the next year or so.

My current laptop also has an express card slot. I'm not sure about the future of that interface either.

Would be grateful for any thoughts, suggestions.

Look into USB external sound adapters. I personally have never used them but I see they are available. Maybe someone else can recommend one that they have used (preferably one that is known to be Win 7 compatible).

Here's a link to one from Creative: http://www.soundblaster.com/products...=17892&listby=

MOTU offers excellent, professional quality USB and firewire solutions. They're high end but thought I'd mention it since you're looking to improve. You didn't say by how much.

In particular, a really great interface for mobile is the Traveler-mk3. It can be bus powered directly from the laptop. It works great on desktops and as a stand-alone mixer too. Doesn't particularly need any pc.

This suggestion is only if you're really serious about audio, though. Otherwise, there are less costly solutions available.

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio

Very interesting looking piece of gear. Probably much more advanced than I need. Looks like it is more designed for recording/performing.

Would something like that operate as a high quality sound card/headphone amp for simply playing audio files?