Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Go! Pro USB sound card

This small sound device (just 6.5cm long) is designed to replace the built-in sound on a laptop.

There is a cap on one end that reveals a USB connector when removed. Usefully, the cap is attached by a cord so it won't be easily lost.

Creative says the X-Fi Go! Pro can be attached to a keyring, which is true, but in order to get the best out of it you need to install the software from the supplied CD, which won't easy to fit on a keyring.

It's not available for download and nor is it loaded onto the device – something other USB devices do to good effect.

We tried it on a couple of laptops with so-so sound, a pair of good JVC headphones and a selection of music in different styles. By default, without the Creative software installed, there was little noticeable difference in sound quality.

Installing the software gives access to various tools that can improve sound quality on dodgy MP3s, or add effects, and these worked well.

If your laptop's sound is substandard this device might give it a boost, but for most users it doesn't have much value.