from a reliable Apple source as a reply to Beth Secrist's comment on the lack of an analog audio input port on the new G4 towers from Apple ---Otmar
>> 
>> Hi Otmar,
>> 
>> This is true, the analog sound input has been removed.  Instead, we are
>> continuing down our path to move away from the legacy analog I/O to pure
>> digital solutions like USB and Firewire. This includes analog audio. I
>> believe this provides a richer set of options and capabilities with higher
>> quality for both the end-user and developer.
>> 
>> For example, USB audio input devices gives us higher quality digital inputs
>> with better signal to noise and with standard line level and mic level
>> inputs rather than the "unique" PlainTalk connector with proprietary power
>> at the tip. Now you can trivially use a standard microphone or headset.
>> 
>> To address sound input for language labs there are numerous solutions
>> available today.  If you are interested in using existing microphones or
>> input
>> devices with 1/8" minijacks I would take a look at iMic from Griffin
>> Technologies.  The iMic universal audio adapter is a USB device that allows
>> the connection of virtually any microphone or sound input device to the
>> iBook,
>> G4 Cube, Titanium PowerBook G4 or any other Mac with USB ports. It supports
>> better than CD quality at up to 48 Khz sampling and works with virtually any
>> microphone including unpowered (Mic level) and powered (Line level)  I
>> believe
>> the SRP is $35
>> 
>> http://www.griffintechnology.com/audio/imic_main.html
>> 
>> If you are looking for new input solutions, there are a number of USB desktop
>> microphone solutions on the market.  If headsets are of interest, I would
>> take
>> a look at the at VXICorp's Parrot solutions, they have both monaural and
>> stereo versions with a built-in microphone. Some models also have noise
>> cancellation.
>> 
>> http://www.vxicorp.com/docs/usbparrott.htm
>> 
>> Plantronics has some headsets worth taking a look at.
>> 
>> http://www.Plantronics.com/
>> 
>> And if the need is on the high-end, companies such as Roland offer some very
>> sophisticated audio input/output products.
>> 
>> http://www.edirol.com/
>> 
>> I hope this helps.
>>