Laptop Thoughts: News & Reviews on Laptops, Netbooks, Slates, and More.

"Is it just us, or are 5.1- and 7.1-channel speaker systems impractical for PCs? In our 2.1 speaker roundup, we look at the Corsair SP2500 and Antec/Soundscience Rockus 3D|2.1, along with the Creative Gigaworks 3D, Klipsch Promedia 2.1, and Logitech Z623. If you're a PC user who hasn't experienced what a subwoofer can do, you owe it to yourself to try one out. Strong bass brings incredible power to game sounds, and extends the range of music much lower than a two-speaker setup can achieve. If you want to feel those explosions and rhythms, a subwoofer isn't an option. It's a necessity."

Keen on picking up a set of 2.1 speakers? Then check out this review - it's quite comprehensive given that speaker quality, and sound quality in general, can be highly subjective. I would suggest though that sometimes a sub-woofer is overrated; I used to think that I'd never use a set of speakers without a sub-woofer, but once I heard the AudioEngine A5 and A2 speakers, I knew that was no longer the case. I now have three sets of A2 speakers in my office, all without sub-woofers. If speakers are designed by talented people, you'd be shocked how good music can sound, even without a sub-woofer.