Digital all the way: Samson StudioDock 3i speakers
The beauty of USB-connected speakers is that the audio signal stays digital longer and sounds better than speakers plugged into the laptop's headphone jack. Samson's StudioDock 3i speaker set works with PCs and Macs (it also includes an iPod dock) and takes about 3 minutes to set up.
The speakers are powered by a 30-watt amplifier and each tuned port speaker case has a 3.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. They pump out well-balanced sound that's more than loud enough to annoy the neighbors. The set includes a three-year warranty.
Price: $110
Available from: a variety of audio retailers