i will choose M3300 in no time. but somehow i also like E3100 which is cheaper. due to the subwoofer definitely...

i dun recommend usage of sb 24-bit external., im using the SB X-Fi 5.1 USB. i also have M3300 before. but use another better multimedia speaker now. honestly i dun really find / notice any difference... i think its quite a waste to buy M3300 and sb x-fi usb altogether. better buy AEGO M, S530D or MX5021. summore the usb thingy drain up my cpu speed, since my laptop is 3.5 years old now... unless u getting 5.1 or better speaker, i really dun recommend the sb 24bit with m3300...

BUT! when i pair my x-fi 5.1 usb to my old amp driving two 6.5" woofer and 2" midrange, it sounds much sweeter than the onboard soundcard (mine is 16-bit). so its not bad after all...

the usb is not useless, its useful, but not worth it because i buy X-fi 5.1 more expensive than the M3300 itself. the M3300 performance are not really improved using the usb soundcard. unless, u're planning to upgrade in the near future, then no doubt get the soundcard. i think getting both M3300 and usb x-fi can costs 500. well, better get better speaker isnt it?

anyway if your laptop is after mid 2005, should be 24bit alredy. mine is early 2005, still using AC97, which is 16-bit...

M3300 is a very good speaker in 250. but not the best for basshead type. please listen before buying otherwise regret. i like the way M3300 speak, which is clear and sharp for its price... but frankly speaking i dun like its subwoofer. thats y i gave it to my cousin, im using speaker which is better than it today.

bro,why cannot plug into ur ipod leh? ur ipod dun have 3.5mm jack ?  ,these speaker has AUX port which allow u to conect ur mp3 player such as ipod to it .