digital output on laptop

[Big Aura]

I was told that quite a few laptops are equipped to give digital / optical output via the headphone socket using something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000CHYT94/ref=asc_df_B000CHYT94705511?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=7974&creativeASIN=B000CHYT94

can anyone confirm this? I have a Dell XPS m1330.

Cheers

 

[chebby]

I have just checked the old web page on Dell (Euro/English) for the XPS M1330 and although it mentions two headphone outputs, neither seem to be optical. (Although it has HDMI.)

One of these plugged into a spare USB will put that right for £60 - £70 though.

 

[daveh75]

Some Dells had a strange set-up, whereby, they have an coaxial(SPDIF) output via their S-Video output-with the use of an adapter.

I only found this out by accident, as it's not mentioned in any of the documention that came with my Inspiron and even Dell UK weren't aware of it. In the end i tracked down an Ebay seller who has the adapters (a genuine Dell part) HERE.

So if your Dell has an S-Video out, it may be worth checking in your sound settings to see if a SPDIF output is listed.

 

[SnowyJohn]

All Mac's bar the standard Macbook have digital out.

 

[chebby]

SnowyJohn:All Mac's bar the standard Macbook have digital out.

That info doesn't help the OP much with his Dell XPS M1330

 

[SnowyJohn]

My apologies. I misread the post. I thought he was asking what laptops have a digital out.

Pretty tired...