Firewire or USB for an external sound card?

[SideWinder]

1) USB or Firewire for an external soundcard?

2) Can anyone recommend me an external sound card that will enhance the onboard sound on my Dell 1500 Vostro? I intend to connect the sound card to the laptop and then connect an Amp with bookshelf speakers to the sound card using the headphone socket thingy.

 

[rudeboymcc]

1) shouldn't really make a difference: any benefit you get from the slightly higher firewire speed you'll lose when you more than half the choice of sound card, i won't notice any difference.

2) almost any extgernal soundcard over £25 will be a lot better than your onbaord sound (in my opinion), but i recommend to go creative, they make pretty good soundcards for good prices.