LaptopSpeaker
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Logitech takes its wireless Z515 and tethered Z305 speakers on the road
Sure, that laptop you're staring out might have been purchased by your company's IT department, but who hasn't snuck on a film or game to fill the desperate void between PowerPoint presentations and time sheets? Problem is, those teeny tiny tinny laptop speakers aren't exactly immersive. That's where Logitech comes in with its new Laptop Speaker Z305 ($99.99, pictured above). A compact USB speaker that hangs off the open display to deliver 360-degree audio that will "fill the room," according to Logitech -- no additional software required. Otherwise, why not untether with Logitech's Wireless Speaker Z515 (pictured after the break) when it arrives for $59.99. The Z515 offers a range of about 50 feet (15 meters) over a 2.4GHz USB dongle with up to 10 hours of life from its rechargeable battery. Both will be available for purchase in the US and Europe beginning this month. See the pitch in the video after the break.
Twelve South's BassJump subwoofer improves your MacBook experience via USB, not parachute
The speakers on the MacBook line are generally quite good -- for a laptop. Rock your world they won't, but Twelve South's BassJump might just add that low-frequency kick your unibody workhorse has been missing. The solitary speaker connects via USB and, through an analog-styled tuning app, augments the built-in speakers of the laptop with much-needed bass. If the styling didn't clue you in this is only for MacBooks and, at $80, seems to come at quite a premium over your average set of portable speakers. It's certainly nicer looking.
Philips CushionSpeaker examined, found to be ok cushion, decent speaker
It's not every day that someone attempts to redesign the humble laptop cushion, but Philips has done just that with its new CushionSpeaker which, somehow, someway manages to combine a cushion and a speaker. As our pals at Engadget Spanish found out first-hand at IFA, that combination actually delivers mostly as promised, but not without a few trade-offs. The good news is that speaker does seem to be of reasonable quality, and should be an improvement over most laptop speakers (the retractable USB cord is also a nice touch). On the downside, while the cushion is apparently suitably cushiony, the hard plastic surface isn't exactly the most conductive to keeping your laptop in place -- such are the perils of innovation. Hit up the link below for a closer look, and look for the CushionSpeaker to be available sometime soon (in Europe, at least) for €69, or just under $100.
Sony VGP-USP1: a 1.1-inch thin USB travel speaker
So you've picked up a Sony speaker for your PSP and Bluetooth-enabled Walkman, but man, if only they had one for your super-swank VAIO. No worries, Sony's got you covered. The VGP-USP1 plugs into your laptop's USB port to deliver 2x2W of thimble shaking power. Still, at just 30-mm / 1.1-inches thin and 520-grams / 18.3-ounces, it makes for an easy packing, on-the-go solution for those lonely nights in front of the minibar.
