It may be some folks are confusing the quality [or lack of quality] of the sound card...for the quality of the wave table [sound bank] being used..I have found most of the laptop sound cards to be more than adequate for recording and playback..

Try using a higher quality wave table or vst's..You may need to use a host program to use the for-mentioned..but the results will be as good as the hardware [keyboards] we use..

There are many small mixers[firewire and USB that can be used with the original laptop sound card..

I also have an old pcmcia sound card with break out cables [I love it]..but have found no need to use it with my newer PC and laptop..

Just thought I would clarify the difference in case anyone was confused...