I just purchased a first generation Echo Indigo PCMCIA card for my Alienware m7700 (Clevo D900T). I got it used on ebay for less than 30 bucks. The seller included the original return policy which shows that it was originally purchased in 2003. Despite it being slightly worn, I must say its sound is incredible.

My m7700 has a lot of high power parts in it that create much electronic noise whenever headphones are used and the Indigo ELIMINATES ALL STATIC. The background is "black" and clean, allowing the sound to really stand out. I'm no audiophile so I can't say much more about the improved sound quality past the obvious bass and treble clarity.

The card has two output jacks that use a duplicated signal so it's easy to share music with someone next to you. There's also a volume knob on the card itself. Unfortunately I don't know if there is a way to play the sound through the laptop's onboard speakers. There is no control panel for the card, which, in a way is a good thing in that it uses no system resources other than power.

I'm aware that there are far fewer reviews on the Echo cards than Creative cards online, but I took the advice of a few reviewers (some from audiophile forums) and went for this "professonals'" product. I use the card for music, not games, so I can't comment on it's 3D capabilities although I'm sure they're better than any integrated card's. Definitely take a look at this card before going mainstream with the Creative counterpart. I don't have any recording needs and seldom use a mic for online communication so I opted for this earlier model without an input jack. Keep an eye out on ebay, I'm certain you won't regret it.