[jbjb]

I downloaded REW, got the CM-140 SPL meter and cables, and was ready to run REW on my notebook when I spotted the note about NOT using the mic-in jack on a notebook.

How do I know if the jack on my notebook (a Dell Inspiron 6400) is mic-in or line-in? The description in the Vista Mixer says "Microphone / Line In". It uses the SigmaTel HD Audio Codec.

Assuming I need an external sound card to plug into my notebook. What's a recommended one?

 

[jbjb]

I have an XPS M1710 with the same card (running XP not Vista)
When you put a jack plug in the 'mic' socket you should get a pop-up asking if you want to use the mic or line-in :T

My old laptop had the Sigmatel drivers and it had a utility that let you select what each jack was (mid/line in), (line out, spdif, speaker), etc. I believe it was in the control panel or possibly it's own "Program Files" folder.

You're right guys.

When I plugged the jack into the input, this popped up:

So if I select "line in" I'm good to go for REW? What the difference between that and "microphone"?