Speaker system powered from the USB port ?

I want to add an external speaker set that can be powered from the USB port of the laptop

Does such a speaker system exists ?

 

Doing a Google search....
http://www.everythingusb.com/altec_lansing_xt2_portable_laptop_speakers.html
http://www.amazon.com/Laptop-Speakers-Portable-Compact-Speaker/dp/B000LJ8TBM

The do exist - and searching for "USB speakers" will give you many more results.
Also, read reviews.

I prefer headphones - and my speakers are AC powered.

 

Do you have any specific preferences for an audio setup? Like either 2.1 or 5.1 surround? And is the price a big factor for you?

Anyways, I personally use the Edifier MP221 which is great for portability and many power options. It comes with an AC adapter and a USB cable so you have two different options to source the speaker's power from. It's really slim and portable and can be used for travel as a carrying case is provided. I mostly use it when I watch movies on my notebook at home, or when I travel, and also occasionally use it for music. It may not have 5.1 surround capabilities, but it is good enough for casual use and its definitely value for money (only around $20.00USD).

This is what it looks like:


However, here are some other options that you may want to check out as well:

Edifier MP230
-This is basically the newer model of my speakers. It has exactly the same powering options, but will definitely have more range and volume in sound with better specs, and looks cooler.


Genius SP-i200U
-Although Genius is not a known brand (I actually don't know anyone who has any Genius products), it seems to have garnered many positive reviews for these speakers on Newegg. It is also USB-powered, but I'm not sure if it comes with an AC adapter like the Edifier's do. Based on its price of $19.99, it looks like it could be value for money too.


Yamaha NX U10SL
-If you're willing to shell out a bit more, then you should probably go for these. They cost over $100 but will definitely give you superior sound with portability. I would have gotten these if I had the budget for them. It has Capacitor Amplification and Swing Radiator bass technologies which are a clear advantage over the other alternatives. Like the others, it also comes with a carrying case. Interestingly, it can be powered by AC, USB, or batteries.


ChillPill Audio Speakers
-I also would have gotten these if I knew they existed. These have gotten great reviews for sound quality and portability. It has the most unique portable speaker design I've ever seen and doesn't compromise sound. It has three different modes/shapes for listening as well and for only around $40.00.


If you are into 2 channel and 5.1 speaker systems powered by USB, you may want to check out this link for more information about them. I'm not too familiar with any of those speakers Logitech, Bose, and Altec Lansing, but they are definitely more expensive than the portable ones. Just let me know if you need more info on the Edifiers as I can give you advice based on my experience with them...

Hope it helps...

 

I have the Tweakers portable speakers (basically identical to those ChillPills), and they're pretty awesome. The bass is surprisingly solid for such tiny units. However, keep in mind that they're not USB powered, but rather battery powered.

 

Wait...really? I thought they were USB powered as well. Their official website says that they "Can be charged from a computer’s USB port or via optional AC adapter ." Maybe the new models have this feature already? When did you purchase yours?

 

Yeah, I actually just checked that out, it seems that the ChillPills do indeed charge via USB, although they have their own integrated battery for unplugged use. Like I say, what I have are Tweakers, which are physically almost identical:

http://grandmax.com/store/tweakers-pullnplay-speakers-black-p-21.html

They're also $10 cheaper, and apparently the new Tweakers actually have USB as well.

 

Sorry Mastershroom I misread the "Tweakers" part. They look awesome as well. I'd probably get these over the Chill Pill if my Edifier's broke. Thanks for the link!

 

Yeah...I can't really find any direct comparison of the ChillPill and Tweakers...makes me wonder why the Tweakers are $10 less even though they are apparently virtually identical products.

EDIT - I just found this, actually: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090814083549AAaiDnK

Also, apparently iHome makes their own Tweaker/ChillPill clone as well: http://www.amazon.com/IHOME-Recharg...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252176165&sr=8-3

 

Thanks for the overwhelming response and info !

Looks like most products hover around 1 pound weight, I am looking for something lighter...

 

I know everyone will tick me off for suggesting the following... ...but another USB speaker that you may consider is the Bose Companion 5.

 

Unlike the speakers that came with your laptop (I hope manufacturers will soon design them to be updated), aftermarket speakers are your choice. Therefore, I recommend you not purchase any speakers that you have not personally auditioned. After all, what good is having a choice, if it's still a guess?