portable speakers

The built-in speakers on my notebook PC are shorting out intermittently and I'm considering replacing them with a USB-powered portable speaker pair. I plan to use them only for casual listening and admittedly am looking for an easy way of replacing my built-in speakers. I fully realize such speakers will not produce high-fidelity sound. (I use Sennheiser PX-100 headphones when I want high-quality sound.) I'm seeking recommendations for USB-powered portable replacement speakers, preferably under $35.

Thanks for reading and any information and opinions.

 

I recommend the Chill Pill:

Amazon.com: Chill Pill Mobile Speakers iPod/MP3 Players and Laptops (Black): Electronics

It plugs into your laptop's 3.5mm audio port for sound, and runs on an internal battery which can be powered by either a USB port or an external AC adapter. They're very compact; they can fit in your pocket easily with all the cords retracted and the speakers folded shut, but they're expandable, and they sound great for their size and price.

 

Thanks much for the detailed recommendation for the Chill Pill. I must admit when I first saw "Chill Pill" I thought you were being facetious until I followed the URL and read its description. Its name is very unusual for a speaker. That aside, the Chill Pill speaker is very appealing and I am seriously considering it. I'll let you know what I eventually settle on.

 

Logitech V20

Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers PC multimedia speakers

If you do not need the bass & volume the V20 can put out and want a smaller package the V10 works great too and buy.com has a refurbished one for under $20.00

http://www.buy.com/prod/logitech-v1...book/q/sellerid/842181/loc/101/202902204.html

 

Another vote for the Logitech V20, Sound is great and the surprised me with solid bass response while still sounding clear. They come with a nice case to keep them organized too. They cost a little more but you can find deals sometimes. If you don't mind refurbs or ebay they can be found for some really low prices. Here is a webstore with a ebay store as well and the ebay store has pretty good feedback.

Compuvest Corp.
LOGITECH V20 2 SPEAKERS 2 WATT 970155-0914 - eBay (item 400136805443 end time Oct-13-10 14:07:39 PDT)

 

Are you willing to consider headphones? If you buy the right ones, they can give you sound quality that is going to be a lot better than speakers you buy at the same price point.

 

He already uses a fairly good set of headphones, he wants speakers...

 

X-mini Max ll FTW!!!
Loudest speakers

 

Thanks for all the recommendations, they are all well worth considering. I read their descriptions and considered them all carefully, but ultimately, I decided that portability--for now--was more important than deep bass or excellent fidelity and opted for a clip-on soundbar:

Amazon.com: Logitech Laptop Speaker Z205: Computer & Accessories

Admittedly it's somewhat pricey; I acknowledge I am paying more for its compactness and its semi-ability to integrate with my PC rather than audio fidelity. Hopefully the accompanying user reviews are generally accurate and this soundbar is still a notable improvement on my notebook PC factory speakers. In the future, though, if my desire for better fidelity and bass grows beyond the soundbar's capabilities, I'll revisit the recommended speakers. If anyone is interested, I also found the following additional portable speakers that seem to promise decent fidelity and bass:

Amazon.com: GOgroove SonaWAVE - Hi-Fidelity 2.1 Channel Portable SOUND BAR with built-in Subwoofer - for iPhone / iPod / iPad / Android Phones / PC / Laptop: Electronics

Newegg.com - Rosewill RNA-SYM 2.1 Configuration 1W Satellite RMS Power /ea 2W Subwoofer RMS Power 2.1 ch High Quality Speaker - Arc Horn Style Designed

Amazon.com: SonaWAVE Laptop USB Powered Speaker - Hi-Fidelity Compact SoundBar with Subwoofer - 2.1 Channel, 12-watt - PLUG-N-PLAY PC or Mac - Includes SD/SDHC Card Reader: Electronics

Amazon.com: Logitech Z-2300 THX-Certified 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer: Electronics (admittedly pricey and the subwoofer is not portable, but this could form a decent mini-home theater with a notebook PC as audio/video media player for those with very limited space and/or on a budget)

 

I highly recommend the Z-2300. They are pretty much the exact opposite of portable, but in terms of sound (and pure volume), they do not disappoint. They have fueled many loud, drunken parties in the years I've had mine.