Creative has just released the USB 2.0-based Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 audio adapter, making it now much simpler to get surround sound on laptops and cramped small-form-factor PCs (LAN party anyone?)--or allaying the fears of those who are hesitant to crack open their systems and start mucking around inside. While Creative calls it a "sound card," it is really a small external adapter, powered by the USB port.

Based on the modest, minimum system requirements, Creative had older systems in mind: The device requires only a 1.6GHz Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon XP 2000+, 256MB RAM for XP, 512MB for Vista, 600MB of available hard disk space, and (of course) a USB port. The device will even work on a USB 1.1 connection, but will lack full functionality. Audio can be output to amplified/powered speakers, headphones, or any TOSLINK-capable device through the optical out port.

This is not the first USB-based, 5.1-channel audio adapter to come to market. Similar solutions have been available from Turtle Beach and GWC. With a direct price of $59.99, the sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 audio adapter is also one of the more expensive solutions. It's always good to have options.