hey dreamer!
i am just in your shues!

i also used to have a AP2496 into my desktop system.
now, when i use a AMD Turion64x2 laptop, i need another audiocard.
for my needs, usb is good enough. but you might need firewire type. just make sure about these....
my choice is http://www.zzounds.com/item--LEXLAMBDA

...now i just have to find someone to bring it in romania!