Altec Lansing BXR1220 portable speakers

The Altec Lansing BXR1220 computer speakers deliver solid audio quality for the price and are sure to satisfy shoppers who don't have the luxury of desk space or open power outlets.

The Good: Decent sound quality for the price; light, compact design fits in small spaces; USB power eliminates travel clutter.

The Bad: Speakers don't grab audio from USB port; fixed angle; hardwired cords; no option for battery power.

The Bottom Line: The Altec Lansing BXR1220 computer speakers deliver solid audio quality for the price and are sure to satisfy shoppers who don't have the luxury of desk space or open power outlets.

• Brand Name: Altec Lansing

• Model: BXR1220

• Speaker Type: Portable speakers

• Speaker Amplification Type: Active

• Speakers Response Bandwidth: 180 - 20000 Hz

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches ; 25.1 pounds

• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 85 dB

• Output Level (1m): 80 dB

• Magnetic Shield: Built-in

• Audio Amplifier: Integrated

• Connectivity Technology: Wired

• Controls: Power on/off, volume

• Additional Features: USB powered

The main complaint with the design doesn't involve its looks, but rather its functionality; both speakers are held up by a silver stand attached at a fixed angle that points toward your chest, assuming your desk isn't up to your chin. We enjoyed a much more pleasurable listening experience after stacking books and other objects to boost the speakers up to ear level, but we'd appreciate a tilt able stand next time.

ASUS Cine5 surround sound speaker

Over the years, surround sound technology has evolved from the early days when cable had to be strung in all four corners of your living room for satellite speakers so as to replicate the true theater sound that made the movie going experience fun. From there, moved onto wireless speaker systems and multi-channel speaker bars, the latter perhaps not capturing the pure 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound experience to an audiophile, but now Asus has released a new surround bar designed for use on the desktop called the Cine5. According to Asus, the Cine5 is the world's smallest sound bar to cram in a full 5 channels. The elegantly named "Embracing Sound Theatre HD" technology provides the faux surround effect from the single enclosure. "Premium drivers" and a side firing port are said to provide 15dB of additional bass response compared to other similarly sized computer speakers. The Cine5 features a top mounted metal volume control, and a headphone output. Power is rated at 15 watts RMS, with 80Hz - 20 kHz response. Its performance and sound quality will memorize any body. The price is not set yet but every one is eagerly waiting for this product to be lunched.