Audio interface as sound card?

[jackstpaulUHS]

I'm not clear on the issue of audio interfaces functioning as soundcard.

What I heard, from a GC sales guy, is that an interface used with PT, Cubase, etc. will function as the sound card when it's in use. I've read some brief comments on-line, but to be sure I understand it:

I'm about to buy the Dell laptop below, and I’ve heard that laptops are limited re: soundcards because you can't replace the one that comes with it (true?).

But if some sort of interface like m-audio functions as my sound card, then the limit of being stuck with the laptop’s built-in sound card is moot, right?

I’ve been using CoolEdit Pro 2.1a, so I don’t have experience with using an interface.

I’m not decided on the software, but probably Cubase. I can decide on the interface later, too.

Thanks.

Dell Inspiron 1525-122B $595
Vista Home Premium SP1; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5750; 3072MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz , chipset --Intel GM965 250GB Western Digital 5,400rpm. DATA: 4 USB 2.0, mini FireWire, multiformat memory card reader EXPANSION: ExpressCard/54 NETWORK Modem, Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi 128MB Mobile Intel 965GM Express;

 

[NL5]

Yes, it can.

 

[Ethan Winer]

I'm about to buy the Dell laptop below, and I’ve heard that laptops are limited re: soundcards because you can't replace the one that comes with it (true?).

Many built-in laptop sound cards are fine for playback, but most are not suitable for recording because they have only one input which is mic level. However, there are many suitable USB and Firewire sound cards available.

--Ethan

 

[TimOBrien]

Excellent guide HERE:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_and_audio_interfaces.htm

The built-in soundcards (a soundcard IS an audio interface) have about 50cents worth of chips in 'em. They are built for beeps, boops and light gaming as CHEAP as the manufactuer can make them.