Although some audio hardware companies forget to make drivers for linux, more and more hardware is supported by Linux. Because of good work of many people in the 'world of linux audio' and more companies who have noticed Linux.
When you are using linux, it is always wise to check whether a piece of hardware works with linux, before buying it.
Which hardware is supported you can check out below.
You can find the answer here.
You can find the answer here .
Note: The list of supported devices is not always up-to-date. This ffado configuration file is probably more up-to-date….
See also: List of JACK Frame [or Buffer] & Period settings ideal for USB interface
The quick answer:
RME MADI
RME HDSP
M-Audio Delta 1010
M-Audio Delta 44, 66 or 2496
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 both have 2x combo XLR/TRS inputs, USB 2.x bus powered. 2i2 has 2 outputs (TRS) 2i4 has 4 outputs plus MIDI I/O and extra hardware controls.
If you want to add better audio capabilities to your laptop, there are several options. The most common are USB, FireWire and PCMCIA/CardBus. If you buy a laptop or notebook, its preferable to choose one with FireWire and/ or PCMCIA/Cardbus ports although FireWire ports are rare today.
USB has the advantage of being 'Universal' - USB ports are ubiquitous and now there are a number of USB 2.x class compliant devices confirmed to work with GNU/Linux.
The above are all confirmed to work with GNU/Linux, ALSA and JACK but there are other supposed USB 2 class compliant devices available that should work such as the RME Fireface series, Roland duo/tri capture series and most any other devices that claim to work with the iPads.
If your new laptop has an CardExpress connection, this is an nice card: RME PCMCI (CardExpress) card .
The Creative Audigy line seems popular among Linux users.
It is also possible to use an Firewire card via PCMCIA using PCMCIA Firewire Cardbus PC Card - 2Port