it seems many people have different conclutions of USB turntables, I don't see a port for my RCA convertion cable on my laptop. You state to use a usb device, does that mean I must use a usb turntable?

Hi,

No, there are also USB audio interfaces that you can use with any turntable. Here's one example:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHUCA202

Here's another example:
http://www.amazon.com/Xitel-INport-Deluxe-Record-Computer/dp/B000HE7M3M/

Both of those assume that your turntable has its own preamp or that you're going through a stereo receiver with a preamp. If you've just got a phono signal with no amp, then you could get a USB audio interface that includes a preamp:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHUFO202


Greg