when i watch dvds on the train with my headphones i have to put all volume settings to max on my laptop to be able to hear it ok.. but then stil the film is encoded a bit too quiet, and seeing as i have no amp or "knob" to turn up on my laptop i cant hear if sum noisy bastard is next to me, anyone no of any free software to boost volume output on a (new) laptop?
cheers

"Just take it to 11." :-)

Have you checked the sound panel in windows? Right click on the speaker icon on the task bar and choose "Open Volume Control". Make sure all your sliders are maxed.

If that doesn't work, the only thing I can think of is more hardware. Amplifiers are strictly hardware; I've never heard of a software based amp. Creative makes a few devices for laptops you might be interested in.

I have win xp laptop, I just noticed that the volume controls are separate for cd and for windows.

Try going to control panel and open sound devices and turn up left and right volume.
Then go back to control panel and open system click device manager button , look for dvd/cd rom click to oprn this and you will find a seperate volume for dvd/cd on mine this was only set 3/4 way.

If this helps let us know

every setting on my laptop is set to max. i guess i wil have to buy a hardware amp - or maybe some of them big beasty headphones that look like ear defenders!

If you are going to buy new hardware checkout boostaroo.com