software to change audio output device

[whitelighter]

I have a pair of headphones which I plug into my laptop when I want to listen privately, but there are times when I'd rather listen via the regular speakers. The only way I know how to switch back & forth between the two is by plugging and unpluggin the headphones. I'm afraid this'll wear out the headphone port, and then I'll have to get an external audio card if I want to use my headphones, which can be a pain. Is there software that will allow me to change audio output devices without having to plug or unplug the headphones? I have Windows 7 on my laptop. I've already tried right-clicking on the sound icon in the tasks tray and chosing "speaker" while my headphones were plugged in but that didn't work.

[mjc]

Don't worry about 'wearing out' the jack...the rest of the laptop will be toast before that happens (those jacks are rated in the tens of thousands insertion cycles)...in other words...in AND out 3x/day will get you about 10 yrs worth of playing around with your headphones. Even if it's a really cheaply built jack, it should last 5 yrs or so with 3x/day. Basically, it's a couple of pieces of plastic and bent metal, that just contacts the plug of the headphones...friction is not enough to wear on it to any great deal, except after a lot of use.

There's more danger from bending the internals of the jack with a plug by moving the laptop with the headphones plugged in than there is from damaging it by pulling the plug out, much more.

[Sylvander]

1. What I use on my desktop is...
(a) External amplified speakers [for better quality sound], and...

(b) A headset [with mic]...

(c) Both connected at the same time Via a 2-way splitter to a single speaker output socket...

(d) Both would normally be giving sound output at the same time, but...
If I don't want to hear the [stereo] loudspeakers, I either turn down the speaker volume, or else go the whole way with the knob to power them off.
If I want to turn down the volume on the headphones, there is a volume control on the lead.
Never any need to disconnect a jack from its socket.
There's also an on/off switch for the headset mic, which connects via a separate lead.
So even if my PC is hacked, the mic cannot be used as a listening device.

[FTT]

Sylvander,
you're not paying attention. It's a laptop. The OP wants to be able to use the internal speakers with his headphones still plugged in. When you plug in to the sound out on a PC it's entirely different.

Whitelighter,
The socket on the laptop has a switch in it that negates the sound from the speakers by physically disconnecting them. The only way to do what you want is to get another socket and solder it in yourself or by using small jumper wires soldered in place. Not an easy task and I would not advise trying it.

The headphone jack in my Pentium3 laptop turned mp3/mp4 player is still working fine after close to 10 years of service. You should be all set as long as you aren't too rough on it as mjc said. I don't use headphones but plug it into a PA system but either way, the point is the jack is durable.

[Sylvander]

1. you're not paying attention. It's a laptop"
I WAS paying attention, and I KNEW it was a laptop.

2. The OP wants to be able to use the internal speakers with his headphones still plugged in"
I was aware of that, but is it the best/only way to go?
I was suggesting an alternative that would probably provide better quality loudspeaker sound than the laptop's internal speakers.
Isn't that desirable?

3. When you plug in to the sound out on a PC it's entirely different"
In what way?
My daughter tells me her laptop has a speaker output jack socket.

4. I don't use headphones but plug it into a PA system"
Why is it OK for you to use external speakers, but not the OP?

[FTT]

Simple. I can answer all 4 with just one reply.

Because it is not what the OP was asking our assistance with.

I can answer them individually if need be but this will suffice for now. I'm just thankful Puppy Linux wasn't the generic reply this time... And you OBVIOUSLY don't own a laptop. Therefore you should refrain from giving advice when dealing with one. JMHO

[whitelighter]

Ok, thank you for the suggestions. Perhaps I was handling my other laptop too roughly because the port did wear out eventually after plugging and uplugging the headphones so many times. It's good to know, though, that leaving them plugged in could be even worse. I could've sworn, though, that I read about a headphone extension cord that's specially designed to remain plugged in such that the port will not be damaged when the laptop is moved.
Oh well, I guess the best thing for now is to just be gentle.

[Sylvander]

Hello whitelighter...

Your original post, as reported to me in the email sent, said the following on the end:

"Incidentally, Sylvander, I'm glad you suggested external speakers, even if yours is a desktop. It appears they make them for laptops, too. Sound quality in fact is an issue for me, as I make guitar videos and load them onto my laptop. Good speakers will give me a better idea how I sound."

Glad you appreciated the suggestion. :)

[YODA74]

what an ass hole