If you own a Macbook Pro you need this $20 cable

The audio ports on the Macbook Pros are analog and digital.
From the Apple site:
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-17inch.html


"Audio

• Stereo speakers with subwoofers
• Omnidirectional microphone (located under left speaker grille)
• Audio line in minijack (digital/analog)
• Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog)
• Support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone"

To use the ports in a digital setup you need an Optical-mini to Toslink cable

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2001&sku=27016#

Now that most DAWs including Protools allow you to use any any audio interface, this is a no brainer.
You can connect your laptop to the A/D-D/A converter of your choice and get the best quality sound. The Macbook's ports accept sample rates from 44.1khz to 192khz.

If you already own Toslink cables then just purchase the adapters ($2) at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Toslink-To-Optical-Mini-Adapter/dp/B0002MQGRM/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1303004039&sr=8-13

You can also use this cable to connect to your home stereo or surround sound system.
Thanks to Mikey Bassie @MikeyBassie for bringing this to my attention.

This would make a great control surface: Multi touch DJing Mixing Desk - HoloDesk

"ICE AV Technology an international interactive and digital display innovation manufacturer, has launched its next product known as the HoloDesk(tm), the ultimate virtual DJ mixer for VJ and DJ artists. The technology behind the system draws on ICE AV's expertise in the latest developments in interactive and digital display technology from its significant catalog.
The screen features a dual image on rear and front sides of the screen creating a stunning view for the audience as they can now clearly see the creative manipulations of the DJ virtual controls. The concept now allows the DJ to be a central visual Performance feature for the audience using the DJ equipment and to be more connected to the audience. Many times in a performance whether solo or in a band, the DJ is often not prominent visually and in many cases hidden behind a bench of desk.

Both Traktor and Emulator can be used on the alternative iQRite Interactive LCD screens in addition to the ICE AV Holographic HoloDesk Mixing Desk.

Holographic computer displays first caught the imagination for many in the Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report where multi touch gestures on a transparent screen allowed Cruise to rapidly sort through and connect data simply by interactive touches.
Three projection laminates are available depending on the buyer preference.
The films from ICE AV are renown for their quality in the interactive and multi-touch industry and currently being offered are:

1 - HoloLite90 is a 90% transparent projection film that creates a Minority Screen experience with imaging on borth sides of the screen.
2 - HoloContraM is a dark grey projection screen that creates an impressive bright high contrast image.
3 – HoloDupix is a 360 degree imaging screen that delivers identical perfect images on both sides of the screen. Perfect for allowing the audience to view the same image.

The HoloDesk from ICE AV can be used with any mixing music software, VJ Video mixing software, dj mixer software, virtual DJ mixer or other creative software applications. It is designed for live stage performances, audio mixing, beat grid, dub step requirements. Currently the HoloDesk is designed for operation with any Windows OS PC computer." 
(Hopefully it will be developed for the Mac OS).
http://www.iceav.co.nz/news.asp?Task=View&PageID=244

INWARD CONNECTIONS Mix 690 Summing Mixer

Built using the same proprietary op-amps as the DEQ-1, the Mix 690 Summing Mixer sounds very large and fat while still retaining clarity and detail in the high end. The mid range comes across as punchy and perceptually loud, which adds excitement to any mix. The perfect way to relieve your overworked digital mix buss and restore resolution and depth to your mixes.

Features: 16 line inputs with pan on each channel Insert with bypass on the stereo buss. Stereo master level pot Stereo meters Fully discrete 20 of the infamous Inward 690 Op-Amp designed by John Hall Can be linked with other mixers without sacrificing channels

http://www.vintageking.com/Mix690?sc=18&category=370