When I plug a mic in to the single plug provided, it prompts me for what I just plugged in. If I pick Mic In, it does not capture any sound. I have tested this with Windows Sound Recorder and other software. The Control Panel sound app does not recognize that an external mic was added.
If I select Line In it can capture audio but it is extremely quiet. The sound app does recognize the mike as "Line In" and I can adjust settings there. I boosted the line in volume up as far as I could, but even then it's so low that it's unusable as a capture device.
The mic built in to the laptop works but isn't sufficient for my purposes. It records too much other noise.
I have a Vostro 3550 and ASUS G73JH sitting next to me that capture audio normally with the same external mic.