My system specs are not the problem. I've got a Core 2 Duo T7500, 2.2GHz, 800Mhz FSB, 4M L2 Cache w/ 3 gigs ram and an 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT. No, the problem may be this: the Tech FAQ in Tech section says specifically:
" I try to start Sins but I get an "Audio Engine Failed To Initialize" error.
This is an indication that your sound card drivers are out-of-date, that you don't have a sound card, or that you don't have any speakers connected (Vista). Please try installing a valid, up-to-date sound driver for your system. A sound card is required to play the game."
https://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/?forumid=410&aid=174432
If a Vista laptop cannot run the game without a sound card and speakers, then playing on a laptop is not very practical. So, if I am playing on my laptop under Vista, which has Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0, NOT an audio card, AND I do not have speakers hooked up, will it run?