Back to the past: The word "retro" is inadequate to describe the appearance of the X-Tube AS301DTS. The USB dongle looks like a refugee from a museum. The gadget is intended to provide a decent impression of DTS surround sound on laptop computers. Using a VIA VT1610 chip set, the dongle plugs into a USB port and delivers a simulated five-speaker surround-sound system through any pair of stereo headphones plugged into it. It is also capable of recording sound via any microphone connected to it. Measuring 45 × 23 mm, it weighs a mere 12 grams. It supports 16Bit 16KHz / 32KHz / 48KHz in both playback and recording modes. The dongle also has a choice of movie and music modes to specialize its audio- enhancing abilities. Interestingly, it not only works with Windows (being compatible with XP, Vista and 7), but also with Macs and Linux systems. It is available now in Japan through Rakuten.

Although it comes with a pair of earphones, the maker pushes the need to acquire a pair of matching AH-516 headphones to enjoy the full promise of DTS. Moreover, the simulated nature of the sound experience suggests a lowering of expectations is in order; faking it is never as good as the real deal. Still, at only ¥3,980 it is both a conversation piece and a cheap way of addressing the audio deficiencies of portable computers. www.edio21.com/prod_as301dts.asp

Viable option: Cutting down on substance, both literally and philosophically, seems to exist at the core of making lightweight laptop computers.