Toshiba Satellite Laptop has only MONO Mic Jack input?

[Geepers]

My 2006 Toshiba Satellite Laptop apparently has only a
MONO mic jack input, but I need to record STEREO cassette tapes
to STEREO Mp3's...

Is there any software out there that'll make this so, despite my having
just a MONO mic jack input?...If it's MONO, am I 'stuck' with mono in the use?

I know there's products like Audigy SB out there, but I need to know
if there would be any 'alternatives' to download online that'll allow me
to use a stereo tape player INTO a laptop such as what I have...

..thanks a heap!

[jagcmos]

No software that I know of would allow a stereo signal through a mono input.

You can get a stereo usb interface for cheap.
Link: Buy Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB-Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces & Convertors | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend

[garww]

It's also unlikely that the jack is mono ?? Why would you think so ??

[Geepers]

We tried stereo jack inputs for this laptop model's mic jack
using stereo tapes to check - definately MONO all the way..

On SOME 2000 Toshiba models, there IS a stereo jack (for the mic?)..

I know because I used to have one; wish thay ALL were like that!

[garww]

Make sure the Windows sound system is not set for mono from that jack. I have heard of mono jacks before, but think they are very rare.

[Audio~Geek]

if there's a MIC input it's mono, as it should be
If there's a LINE input it's stereo.

A USB interface with RCA jacks like the Behringer one linked above is really the way to go.

[garww]

In computers going back to my ensonic cards, all my 3.5 mic inputs have been stereo.

EDIT !!!10-21-09 Ya A-G is right about the inputs on older cards that did have separate MIC and Line inputs. I'm now so used to seeing a single jack for input that I spaced that completely.

[garww]

Oops, I've never used the new laptop. I should test that.

[garww]

Ya my toshiba front realtek input is stereo. The other one (default) for webcam is mono - it's not a jack, just a boundary mic by the camera.

[Geepers]

Originally Posted by garww

Make sure the Windows sound system is not set for mono from that jack.....

Forgive me, but 'how' is that done?...need a step-by-step...