I took a close look at the manual and from the wording I got the impression that it may actually be both, plus looking down the port I can see the optical as well I belive I see contacts for a regular mini jack, I'll have to test and find out.
I would prefer just a mini bookshelf system, for not too much money. I say one briefly that seemed I deal, but it has since dissappeared.
As far as the recording goes. It turns out that I did infact record from another machine ( actually the same but before a wipe and fresh install - inessence a different comp.)
I belive I'm fully cleared up now Thanks for the tips though
Later