MacBook Laptop Speaker Reviews : Hear What You're Missing
The single best-selling Apple computer - The consumer MacBook - has the smallest speakers which have low-volume even when cranked up. With very dissappointing frequency response typical of tiny, tinny internal laptop speakers - you'll find nearly ANY external speaker system is a vast improvement. But those featured here stand-out for audio quality, excellent engineering, easy portability, or an aesthetic that compliments your Mac computers design - and your sense of style.
Portable MacBook Speakers For Travel & Presentations
USB powered portable speakers are an ideal option for highly mobile Apple laptop users. Getting both power AND pure digital stereo audio over a single USB cable - No batteries are needed. Smart designs and with quality speaker drivers - these speakers can provide far greater volume than a MacBook's built-in speakers, enhanced frequency response - and still be compact enough to pack into your laptop carry case.
NEW: Logitech USB Stereo SoundBar
. A safe rubberized clip protects your LCD screen bezel - and also acts as a desktop stand. USB bus-powered for pure digital 2.0 audio - plus a 1/8" input jack option for iPhone, iPad or other MP3 device. Get better volume and wider frequency response to finally hear what you're missing in TV shows and Movies on your MacBook.
Altec's USB Travel Speaker
. Solid, tough travel ready speaker with high quality driver needs no power other than the USB cable itself. Flip-up stand to angle the sound towards you, USB cable wrap tucks neatly away. Protective grille and zipper case included for safe travel.
Creative Labs N-400 Dual-Driver USB Speakers
. Two 2" high-performance full-range drivers and includes travel case. Compact 7"x3"x2" size. A quality audio solution for mobile presentation professionals.
Innovative 2-piece Coagent SP001U MusiCan travel speakers
. These lock together for travel, then separate for wide stereo field. Thoughtful tuck-away cable management and speaker grills with center strip protectors. The beveled base slants - so that when detached, the speakers sit angled and point at you. Smart speaker enclosure design - the size of a soda can!
Subwoofer For Mac Book - Pro - Air
12 South BassJump Woofer for Apple MacBook - blends your laptops internal speakers for fuller 2.1 stereo sound down to 100hz in a self-powered, portable USB woofer that measures 5"x5"x2". The included sound control software is needed to control the frequency crossover of your built-in speakers - so this is designed exclusively for Macbooks.
MacBook Bluetooth and Wireless Speaker Options
Mac users love wireless freedom. But it wasn't until OSX 10.5 Leopard that truly High-Quality STEREO streaming to Bluetooth speakers for Mac evolved. OSX Leopard added the critical A2DP - Advanced Audio Distribution Profile protocols for better Bluetooth audio codec support to make truly Hi-Fidelity stereo pairing possible. While excellent for in-room listening, Bluetooth is a CLOSE-RANGE wireless technology: Generally only within 30 feet - and often less - Keep that in mind to temper your range expectations.
OUT & ABOUT :
Sony's Battery-powered Bluetooth portable speaker can also use AC power at home. Great sound in a compact travel speaker.
AT HOME :
Sony's AC-powered high-quality wireless Bluetooth speaker system. Modern Macs running OS X 10.5 and Snow Leopard can take advantage of A2DP stereo audio streaming support over Bluetooth connections. Atop your desk or on a bookshelf - easy pairing with both your MacBook and iPhone is a snap once your're within range.
WIRELESS USB :
Mint Studio - Stereo iPod Dock with Remote and USB Transmitter.
With a range of up to 100' using it's USB based radio transmitter, and support for streaming wireless audio up to 3 Mint systems around the house - this versatile system can take your computer's audio places Bluetooth can't. Learn more at the Mint website.
Apple Airport Wireless Speaker Options
For Hi-Fi stereo music listening at home - the Apple Airport Express
base station with AirTunes is still the preferred choice. With a much greater range of distance than Bluetooth, this is still a great whole-house option. Connected to your home stereo receiver - or to a set of powered speakers - iTunes music listening is easy. However to work with a full range of audio applications, we recommend RougeAmoeba's great $25 shareware utility AirFoil - which lets you send ANY Mac audio to your Airport Express.
Airport Express Module
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Altec Lansing Expressionist Speakers
Note AltecLansing's stunning design with down-facing omnidirectional 4" sub-woofers provide what they call "Bass in the Base" with serious 25 watt RMS total output. Available in either Classic Mac White - or Glossy Black to compliment newer Uni-Body Macbook computers. Check out this MacWorld review of the Expressionist for more specs.
Stereo Speakers For MacBook - On Your Desktop
With AC power available - high wattage, deep bass and loud volume become possible. Two exceptional desktop speaker systems for Mac users are highlighted here:
Logitech's Desktop USB Hub and 2.1 Stereo Speaker Combo
is a 1-piece speaker unit providing 3 extra USB 2.0 ports and a built in 3" sub-woofer for good bass in a compact 'sound-bar' that sits neatly behind your laptop. It minimizes the usual tangle of cables most 2.1 speakers cause. The dual side drivers can be extended outward to accomodate larger-screen Macintosh laptops. Highly recommended.
Creative Labs T-20 Speakers are a great basic 2.0 speaker with well engineered, quality drivers. Shape the sound precisely to your liking with front mounted Volume, Bass and Treble controls that not all computer speaker systems offer.
Aluminum + Glossy Black Unibody MacBook Speakers
Altec Lansing MacBook Speakers
compliment the new MacBook glossy screen and black style. These speakers feature Dual-Drivers with separate Power Volume and Tone controls up-front. Great styling for your desktop.
