alright that seems like a good idea, but im not sure about how to connect a preamp to my laptop.
I have a mic input 1/8" jack next to a headphone input jack, but thats it. im not sure if thats the same thing as a "line-in" jack.
i also have usb and firewire ports, but your suggestion ruled out usb, and the firewire preamps ive seen are all really expensive.
and like nothing is compatible with windows media center edition