Upgrading Your Experience
If you're still using the speakers that came with your computer, it's long-past time for an upgrade (especially if you own a laptop). Cheap computer speakers are synonymous with poor quality, tinny sound, and a sub-par range. This means that if you have been using your computer speakers to listen to anything at all—music, games, movies, youtube clips, etc.—you're missing out. A nice set of computer speakers can completely transform your entertainment experience, and turn your computer into a home media center. Thumping bass, soaring vocals, and rich harmonies will increase your listening experience tenfold.

Terms To Know

• When looking for sound systems you will most likely come across numbers (2.0, 2.1, 4.0, etc.). These numbers simply tell you how many speakers the system has, and whether or not it includes a subwoofer. Although more speakers doesn't necessarily mean better sound, it does mean a more immersive listening experience.
• You will also see the a lot of references to frequency and range. All you need to know is that the average human can hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 hertz.
• Decibels, or db, is simply how loud something is.
• THX Certification means that the speakers have met certain requirements set down by Lucasfilm (George Lucas' company) for home theater systems. Many manufacturers are licensed to produce these products.
• The subwoofer is a unit specially designed to handle the lowest frequencies we can hear, which are between 20 and 120 hertz. Subwoofers produce the rumbling noises and heavy bass that often enhance your listening experience.
• Audiophiles are people who claim to have better hearing than others, whether that may or may not be the case. Take any self-proclaimed audiophile's review with a grain of salt.
  

JBL Duet PC Speakers
These speakers have a huge fan base despite their relatively small price tag and even smaller size. Coming in three different colors, these portable speakers would look good with any computer, on any desk. And, while these features are certainly nice, the JBL Duet blows away its competition with its superb sound quality. Professed audiophiles have been stunned by the rich tones that come from these speakers, and regular music lovers are just as impressed. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, or you travel frequently, these speakers are the perfect compliment to your computer.

Hercules XPS Lounge 2.1
These speakers are unbelievably cool looking. If you want to have a nice sound system for your computer without sacrificing aesthetics, then these are definitely for you. This system also boasts a docking station for your MP3 player, letting you cut out the middle man and listen to your music without the need of a computer.

Logitech Z-2300
If you're looking for a less-portable sound system for a low price, then these THX-certified speakers are a great deal. Along with the two desk speakers is an extremely powerful subwoofer that you can place beneath your desk. This will add the extra low 'umph' you might be looking for if you're a gamer or fan of music with heavy bass. If that wasn't cool enough, this system comes with a controller that sits on your desk and lets you fiddle with your speakers and subwoofer without having to reach behind a mess of wires or crawl beneath your desk.

Logitech G51 Surround Sound
If you want to go all out, then surround sound is definitely for you. Boasting a cool, futuristic design and the features you would expect from a high quality system, this is for anyone who wants to to be transported elsewhere: concert halls, battlefields, rock shows, etc. Cool extras include skinnable speakers, enhanced sound software, and a control panel for your sound. With proper placement, surround sound will have never sounded better.

Bose Companion 5
Beauty and brawn. That's what Bose speakers are all about. Although this system only has two speakers and a subwoofer, it creates what is known as virtual surround sound. This system will help you avoid using unnecessary space, and also add aesthetic appeal to any set-up. Why don't all speaker systems include virtual surround sound? They can't. The Bose Companion 5 includes its own sound card that you hook-up to your computer via USB. Not only will you be upgrading your speakers in this case, but your entire computer as well.

Author's note: I use the JBL Duet Speakers and I absolutely love them. I've read reports that they're no longer in production, but I scored a pair at my local Best Buy (they were hidden in the Apple section for some reason). If you don't want to make a major financial commitment, definitely try them out.