You have two options when dealing with laptop audio. All laptops come with at least integrated audio and built-in speakers. The cheapest laptops have the integrated audio solution. If you're interested in enhancing the sound performance of your computer, then you should choose laptops that come with a sound card separate from the basic integrated audio. Many new computers, even some cheap laptops, are customizable and include a sound card option to boost laptop audio. External speakers sometimes come with a new laptop, other times they are available as an add-on accessory.
If basic laptop audio is fine with you then there is no reason to add a separate sound card to the new or refurbished laptop you are looking at buying. The same goes for external speakers. If you're not going to use them then don't buy them. Stick with the integrated laptop audio solution and the built-in speakers.