Since there is no way to change or upgrade the internal speakers on a notebook, the best alternative is to use a set of external speakers when you are in your home / office or a set of headphone.  Headphones, especially ones with microphones, can serve a dual purpose by giving you better sound in and out for Skype, gaming, or internet chatting.  Most notebooks have built-in microphones that are about as good as their internal speakers.

Logitech, being one of the biggest companies in the accessory market, has a wide range of speaker and headphone products.  So for this profile, we would like to introduce you to a couple of our favorites.

External Audio Speaker

Company: Logitech
Product: Interactive Speaker System
Model: Z-10
Web Site: http://www.logitech.com
Retail Price: $149.99

The Logitech Z-10 Interactive Speaker System is one of the coolest looking speakers you can add to your notebook.  Its sleek, glossy black design will compliment any notebook and look good on the desk.  But good looks are only one of its key features.  The second is its touch controls and multi-function display which, combined with software drivers, create an interactive link with your notebook.  And finally, the most important feature, great sound.  The Z-10 can produce a powerful sound with a wide volume range and clear, crisp sound with solid bass.

Let’s have a look at the basic specifications:
Power
Total FTC power: 30 watts RMS Bi-amp design:
Woofers L & R:  14.8 watts RMS x 2 (into 4 ohms, @ 500Hz, @ 10% THD)
Tweeters L & R:  1.2 watts RMS x 2 (into 16 ohms, @ 4 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Total Peak power:  60 watts
System Requirements
PC with Intel Pentium or equivalent processor
Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista
USB port
CD-ROM drive
256 MB RAM
20 MB of available hard disk space
Microsoft Windows Media Player, Apple iTunes or MusicMatch Jukebox required for complete media player functionality
Package Contents
2 Logitech Z-10 speakers (each 9.7"H x 4.5” W x 4.7” D) CD-ROM with Logitech LCD Manager software Premium cleaning chamois
All necessary cables:
6 ft. speaker cable
6 ft. USB cable
6 ft. AC power cable
6 ft. 3.5mm stereo auxiliary cable
Quick-start guide
2-year limited warranty

With 30 watts of power, the Z-10s two-way speakers deliver very good sound that is natural and clear.  The volume level is enough to fill a small room while allowing you to hear every detail of your music, movies, and games.  The controls on the right speaker are inside the flat acrylic surface, touch-sensitive, and give you control of power, mute,  bass, treble, play, pause, track forward and back, and display.  There are even 4 internet radio presets.  The controls are easy to use, but I did have some problems with the Z-10 recognizing the touch when my skin was very dry.  With the Z-10, you have control of your Windows Media Player, iTunes, and MusicMatch Jukebox, as well as the computer audio volume.

The backlit, LCD display is a nice feature.  Using the Logitech software, it can display a wide range of information including date, time, email inbox, CPU and RAM capacity, artist and song title, total and elapsed time, and other information that is on your computer.  Setup is easy since the Z-10 is a USB device.  Simply put the USB cable from the right speaker to your computer, install the software, and you are ready to go.  There is even a headphone jack on the right speaker if you want to enjoy some private listening.

While the Logitech Z-10 is too big to travel with, I can now enjoy great sound from my notebook when I am at home or in the office.  Its cool design, sound quality, and interactive controls and display makes the Z-10 the best PC/Notebook speakers I have seen so far.

Headphone with Microphone

Company: Logitech
Product: Premium Notebook Headset
Web Site: http://www.logitech.com
Retail Price: $59.99

When traveling with your notebook, the best choice for improved sound is a good pair of headphones.  And while your at it, make sure it has a good microphone for those time when you want to do some internet chatting, Skype, or online gaming.  The Logitech Premium Notebook Headset meets all the requirements for a good traveling headset.  It even folds flat for storage in its plastic case.

The Logitech PNH is designed specifically for notebook users with a behind-the-head, adjustable design that fold for storage and travel.  It delivers very good audio with a noise-cancelling microphone, in-line volume and mute control, and the choice of using the Audio / Microphone plugs or the included Analog to USB adapter.

The in-line controls are easy to use and feature a volume dial, mute switch, and shirt clip.  The headset folds flat and fits into its plastic case for storage or travel.  The earpieces can tilt and angle for optimum comfort while the microphones rotate from storage to front-of-mouth position with an added minor tilt for clear sound reception.  With all the featured of the Logitech PNH, this is an easy to use, comfortable headset with very good sound and clear, noise-free microphone output.

Specifications:
Frequency response: Headset: 20-20,000 Hz; Microphone: 100-10,000 Hz
Sensitivity: -62 dBV/µBar, -42 dBV/Pa+/-3dB
Cable length: 6 ft.

Package Contents:
Premium Notebook headset
Travel case
Analog-to-USB adapter
User guide
2 year limited warranty

The Logitech Premium Notebook Headset is just what the mobile notebook user needs.  With its great sound, excellent microphone, comfortable feel, and easy travel size, this headset has gone with me on a number of long international trip and I expect it to continuing earning as many airline miles as I do.

—Harvey Lee,
Senior Technology Editor