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X-Fi XtremeMusic, Platinum, Fatal1ty, Elite PRO (30.10.2006)
v2.09.0007
Discover the SoundBlaster X-Fi models. What are the differences, what do the models have in common.
What does X-RAM really do? Read about the extra 64MB onboard RAM on the SoundBlaster X-Fi.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook
Creative announced their latest addition to the X-Fi family - The X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook. As the name already says it's aimed for notebook users who don't want to miss out on the possibilities of the X-Fi soundcards. It comes with a headphones optical jack, Speaker Docking Module connector and a mic/line in jack. The Speaker Docking Module can be used to connect 5.1/7.1 speaker setups.
Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook brings your MP3 music and movies to life! Compatible with the new ExpressCard format it is a great choice for the latest notebooks. It features award-winning X-Fi technologies including X-Fi Crystalizer, which restores the details and vibrance lost during compression to MP3 and DivX, breathing life back into any audio, and X-Fi CMSS-3D, which expands stereo music and movie sound tracks into amazing surround, even over headphones.
Together with the Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook you'll get earphones with integrated microphone and a travel case. More information can be found on the product page. No details about the price yet.
Hmm, worth mentioning to the poor suckers like me who bought this card - The sad truth about this card is +/-
+ Good sound, better than most internal audio chips
- NO HARDWARE ACCELERATION
- NO EAX, software emulated
- NO X-FI or even an EMU chip
- CHOPPY AND LOW CPU PERFORMANCE EVEN ON CLEAN XP INSTALLATION
Don't buy this card unless you need a very basic additional audio output on your machine.
Something you failed to mention about this update was that users still running Windows XP will actually loose Sound Blaster X-Fi Series with DVD-Audio Playback and Dolby Digital/DTS Driver Decode on most models (like gamer) versions of the card.
That's right, no DTS or DVD decode by your cards digital channel!
Mmm...
Soundblaster X-Fi, a card that you buy and actually LOOSE features on as time goes by. Amazing!
Recently (like in the last 3 years actually!) Creative driver updates and software has been abhorrent and their customer support has been terrible, often ignoring mass outcries on their website forums.
First no Vista support for months (even on the latest models). Then the drivers were garbage (and still are IMO to this day). Snail pace driver development and fixes.
There is still no full release of a CD that users can download with ALL the software on for Vista!
I won't be touching Creative gear again with a barge pole the rest of my life. They had their shot and they blew it badly. They're pathetic. I've been in the computer business 25 years and never seen anything as bad as this with a brand new product like the X-Fi.
My advice. Shop around. Spend a little more if you have to. Buy a card that works well and is well supported. Avoid Creative like the black death.
CREATIVE X-FI - A CARD WHERE YOU ACTUALLY LOOSE FEATURES OVER TIME DUE TO BAD PRODUCT AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN!
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