Creative X-Fi Notebook Card Streams Audio

Giving notebook users one less wire leash to bind them to a desk, Creative on Wednesday unveiled the X-Fi Notebook card, which makes streaming audio to any pair of speakers easier. When combined with Creative’s Wireless Receivers, the X-Fi card can send digital music to up to four pairs of speakers.

The card fits into a standard ExpressCard slot and transmits with a range of up to 100 feet, allowing notebook users to trade their tinny built-in speakers for a full home theater system or whatever else occupies the room they’re in, providing they equip it with the proper receiver. Switching zones can also be accomplished on the fly, making it possible to switch on different sets of speakers as you carry a notebook around the house.

Besides its streaming ability, the card also gets a host of other capabilities common to the X-Fi line, including Crystalizer for restoring highs and lows to compressed music, and CMSS-3D for surround.

The card itself runs for $90 and is available immediately. Oddly enough, Creative has chosen to release the necessary receivers, priced at $70 apiece, later this month.