When I first purchased my SoundBlaster Live Mp3 sound card I was just looking to swap out the card that had originally came in my computer system. What I ended up doing was searching for the most I could get with what little I had to spend. That qualification let out several models, but the SoundBlaster was still an option. With great name recognition I thought this might be a good choice, and I wasn't mistaken.

The system requirements for this sound card and software is at least a Intel Pentium 133 (Windows 95/98) or 200 (for Windows NT4). Your computer will need a Intel or compatible motherboard chipset, Win 95/98 or NT4, 16 MB RAM for the Win 95/98 model (although 32 is recommended) and 32 MB RAM for the Windows NT4 model. For hard drive you will need at least 65 MB free space, and an open half-length PCI 2.1 slot, a CDROM, and headphones or speakers.

The really nice thing is that the LiveWare software is always available online for the latest downloads and upgrades. You can always get features and make the card better at www.sblive.com

To install the card you just need the software and applications, the card itself, the CD audio cables and a phillips screwdriver. It isn't hard to install and the manual walks you through it if you have never put one in before.

Cool features include a Creative keyboard, where you can play notes like a compose and arrange music, the Media Ring Talk where you can make long distance and international calls over the internet, and the Creative Keytar where you can get entertainment and educational software, a virtual guitar is part of this.

All in all this was a simple to install and great sounding sound card. I would think that if you just needed a good upgrade and didn't need the absolute top-of-the-line model, that this would be your solid choice.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 150