Compact iPod speaker dock; wirelessly streams audio from any Windows PC or Mac; works with up to three speaker docks; simple setup; solid sound considering its compact size

AC-only operation crimps portability; size and limited wireless range limits use in larger rooms; little stereo separation

The Mint Studio Speaker System combines a great-sounding iPod speaker dock with the ability to wirelessly stream audio from any PC or Mac to up to three speaker docks.

The JBL Duet II speakers offer a cool, futuristic design that should blend with most desktop setups. Audio sounds very clear and open, and stereo separation is great

The JBL Duet II desktop speakers have several cables that are tangle-prone and make for a messy appearance. Bass is deficient

If you're in the market for a fun-looking, clear-sounding set of speakers for you office or dorm room, the JBL Duet II is a good choice.

Distinct design ; affordably priced ; relatively decent sound at lower to mid volumes

Not terribly detailed ; sound gets a little rough around the edges at higher volumes

Altec Lansing's Expressionist Classic FX2020 PC speakers may not blow you away with their sound quality, but their distinctive look will win them some fans.

Impressive, striking design ; subwoofers are built into the base of each speaker, which provides ample amount of bass ; more suited to gaming and movie watching than music listening

Treble is aggressive and brash ; no remote

While the great-looking Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass FX3022 multimedia speakers fall a little short for music listening, their potent bass makes them a better choice for gaming and movie watching.

Takes up less desk space than M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 speakers ; cheapest M-Audio desktop speakers available ; rock solid medium-density fiberboard construction

No headphone jack or auxiliary input ; small 2-inch woofer (compared with larger M-Audio models) makes for noticeable sound quality limitations

M-Audio's Studiophile AV 20 is smaller and cheaper than its larger siblings, but the better form factor comes with sound quality compromises.

Stylish mini-tallboy PC speaker with high-quality dual midrange drivers ; easy access to volume, treble, and bass controls ; headphone jack ; provisions for optional iPod dock

May be too tall for some tastes ; rear power switch and overly bright power light mar an otherwise slick design ; no option to add subwoofer

The Creative GigaWorks T40 is a good choice for those looking for larger than average size and sound in their PC speakers.

Stylish mini-tallboy PC speaker with high-quality dual midrange drivers ; easy access to volume, treble, and bass controls ; headphone jack ; provisions for optional iPod dock

May be too tall for some tastes ; rear power switch and overly bright power light mar an otherwise slick design ; no option to add subwoofer

The Creative GigaWorks T40 is a good choice for those looking for larger than average size and sound in their PC speakers.

Parrot's Bluetooth Sound System is expensive, but if you're looking for a set of attractive and good-sounding wireless speakers to stream music from your Bluetooth phone, PC, or--with optional dongle--iPod, it certainly fits the bill.

Stereo speakers can wirelessly stream audio from Bluetooth devices ; includes USB dongle for streaming from PCs ; built-in amplifiers ; line-in jacks for wired connections ; firmware upgradeable

Wireless" speakers still require one power cord for each speaker ; source device needs A2DP profile to connect ; Bluetooth pairing can be a finicky process ; streaming wirelessly from an iPod requires an optional dongle ; no easy way to toggle to line ...

The Swans S3W HiVi speaker system offers retro-futuristic style at a great price.

The 3-inch speakers just don't do justice to the capable T-class amplifier. The white cables for the power supply, speakers, and audio input create an unsightly mess.

Swans created a great-looking, affordable product that falls short on bass.

Compact ; better sounding than most built-in laptop speakers ; connects via USB

Poor bass response ; limited stereo separation

For emergency audio needs or casual background music, the JLab B-Flex Hi-Fi USB Speaker is worth adding to your travel bag--yet audiophiles don't need us to tell them what to expect from a 2-watt speaker system.