You might find the Zoom H2, or the more expensive H4, recorder useful. Again, the H2 is what I use but don't know if there are alternative options more appropriate for you. It works well as a stand alone recorder or can be used as a USB microphone direct to the laptop.

Zoom H2

Just in case my previous post was ambiguous, the speakers I referred to are those of the laptop. The Zoom has no speakers, has a phone jack as well as USB output, and comes with bud type earphones. For portable convenience I sometimes use a pair of iPod speakers with it.

I'm assuming that, at present, you're not looking at professional CD quality recording.