I’m looking at a 15.4" lenovo t61p.
Since I doubt the onboard sound is ASIO capable, what are my options?
I’d prefer a decent internal card if that’s possible.
Is this a pretty standardized thing, meaning can I buy any notebook card and be generally sure that it will fit?
I’m using an emu0404 in my desktop so I’d like to get something equivalent/semi-pro.
I have this EXACT laptop!
The reason I got it was because it has both kinds of Cardbus.
I use the EMU 1616m with it, and it f****ing rules!
You need to realise that most new laptops only have an expresscard, so things like the Echo Indigo, and EMU series wont fit.
Luckily, the Lenovo T61p has both old and new style slots so you are good to go!
you can also use ASIO4ALL to be able to use ASIO even on your integrated audio device.
but devices vadarfone recommended will surely have better sound quality & more features =)
I’ll be getting a Lenovo Thinkpad R61 soon, exactly because of the Cardbus slot. I’ve got my eyes set on the Echo Indigo IO card.
The Echo card is good, but it will break quite quickly. The volume control is on the actual unit, so this puts stress on the already flimsy PCMCIA plastic outer body)
I had this card a few years ago. It looks cool, and works OK (apart from the Blue Screening issues :S) but it will break with light to medium use.
If you can get it cheap, then it is cool, but if you are paying retail for it and you dont intend on moving your computer around a lot, you would be advised to look elsewhere at an interface with a breakout box (this will give you more options for mic lines etc)
the indigo io is delicate, it works good for me though, just don’t man handle_it_at_all.
i’ve gotten it down to 5ms of latency with supercollider3 on my t23.
i imagine something much much newer like the above notebooks could make it shine like the sun!
Yeah, like I said, it is good. Just breaks easy!
I am pretty rough with my stuff though, so it will be fine for someone who is gentle with their belongings.
I guess I’ll be working at many places, mostly outdoors, so I’d need something light. I know there are many lightweight USB and FireWire audio interfaces, but I’ve been advised to avoid USB audio interfaces, and as far as I know, FireWire on PC laptops doesn’t provide power for the unit. You’ll need a power socket and these are quite rare in the forests. 
All in all, PCMCIA is the best interface for audio cards you can find on a laptop. Sadly not nearly enough manufacturers make such cards.
EMU 1616M.
This is a PCMCIA interface with an EMU Hi-Z Breakout box with a load of inputs.
I have one and it rocks.
The EMU 1616M seems pretty nice, on-board DSP and all. Quite above my budget though.
Wanna buy my Indigo IO 
I’d like a new one, but thanks anyway.