The current crop of Dell laptops is equipped with pretty impressive quality sound systems from JBL and they perform fantastically well for a set of mobile speakers. But if you want to go that extra mile and get even more satisfying and entertaining sound quality from your Dell laptop, you can always opt for dedicated speaker systems. But before jumping the gun and choosing one, you have to find out the reason for the purchase and what do you want to achieve using the speaker set on your Dell laptop.
Perhaps you want something more powerful for self-entertainment or something that can drive a whole party in your place. Or perhaps you want something that is more mobile but offers better sound quality than the built in speakers. In any case, look no further, we have got all the bases covered here and presenting 10 best useful speakers for your Dell laptop:
1. B-Flex
B-Flex audio system is from JLab Audio and has a quite unusual shape for a stereo speaker system. B-Flex is definitely made for those mobile warriors who want thin and light accessories for their laptops that also deliver a solid performance. JLab B-Flex weighs only 80g and connects to computers using an USB port. The RMS output power of this speaker is 2 Watt with a signal to noise ratio of 80.0 dB. The speaker consists of an integrated audio amplifier. B-Flex can really make you headphone free if you did not like your laptopâs audio performance and was forced to use a headphone. Even at the highest sound levels, B-Flex produces undistorted sound output which is pretty amazing.
2. Altec Lansing Orbit USB iML237CLR
The Orbit iML237CLR comes from the house of Altec Lansing, one of the most famous audio equipment makers in the world. Interestingly, the Orbit is pretty compact and has an attractive design. Like other portable speaker system Orbit is also powered by USB port. The system has a flip out kickstand for setting it up at an angle of 45 degrees which is a nice touch. Altec Lansing also provides a protective carrying case which is pretty good for people who do not carry their accessories in laptop bags. The latest version of Orbit is actually an upgrade from the older one and is more expensive. The sound output do suffer from distortions at very high volumes but that can be avoided in most scenarios.
At $50, the Altec Lansing Orbit USB iML237CLR is not cheap but it performs.
3. Logitech V20
Logitech V20 is a break from the last two super portable speakers I mentioned here; instead it consists of two monolithic sound boxes. Surprisingly enough, Logitech did not forget the point of mobility and made the speakers USB powered so that users do not have to look for another power plug for the speaker set. V20 offers reasonably good sound output; frequency responses at normal frequencies are pretty good for normal usage. Unfortunately, being USB powered, Logitech V20 often fails to provide a deep and convincing bass at high volume but that is reasonable. Logitech also included multimedia controls on the speaker for easy access. As I mentioned before, the speaker set is not exactly very portable and wonât fit into any laptop bags.
Available from $57 from Amazon, Logitech V20 is also not on the cheaper side of things.
4. Logitech Z305
Another one from the house of Logitech, Z305 has a shape of a tube and powered by USB port. The sound quality is top notch considering the price point and usage, varied response and textured output makes it easy on listeners. The design is also very travel friendly and Logitech provides carrying case for the speaker. The only significant problem with this set is a short USB cable but being a mobile speaker connected with a laptop that hardly matters.
Logitech Z305 is available at $44 from eBay.
5. Creative D200
Creative D200 belongs to entirely different category in terms of size and portability as it is neither small nor powered by USB as most portable speakers systems. D200 is a monolithic slab that is controlled by Bluetooth and has support for A2DP and accepts audio signals within a range of 30 feet from any compatible devices like mobile phones, laptops etc. Creative also provided multimedia controls buttons on the speaker for easier access and there is also AUX-in port for connecting to other devices that do not have Bluetooth connectivity. Performance wise, Creative D200 offers purely deep bass and has great frequency response without distortions at higher volumes. Creative did not offer a separate subwoofer to save space and integrated the same inside the system at rear which is a perfectly good design decision and does not disappoint.
Performance does not just come cheap and at $129, Creative D200 is not that pocket friendly either. But considering the powerful performance, the price is more or less justified.
6. Philips Notebook SoundBar SPA5210B/27
Philips Notebook SoundBar SPA5210B/27 is a clip on laptop speaker with a very compact figure that is powered by USB with a hideaway cord. SoundBar offers significantly better sound output than the traditional tiny laptop speakers. Unfortunately, the cons of using USB still remain and Philips SoundBar also suffers from low bass at high volume. Other than that, it is a fine choice. Philips also offers a carrying pouch for the product.
At $40 from eBay, Philips Notebook SoundBar SPA5210B/27 is quite value for money.
7. Mimi Qube Wi-Fi Speaker
A deceptively small and simply looking speaker from Mimi, the Qube is more than what meets the eyes. The size is fantastically small and can be fit inside oneâs palm, therefore +1 for mobility. And being a wireless speaker helps, as Qube uses Wi-Fi technology to handle the incoming audio input signal which makes it possible to place the speaker anywhere within a 30 meter range from the included dongle that is to be connected to laptop. Interestingly, one can connect virtually unlimited numbers of Qube Wi-Fi speaker to a single USB wireless dongle. The dongle also offers to use free wireless channels so that other Wi-Fi based devices do not cause interference. The speaker set consists of two 1.5 watt speakers fitted inside the case which are exactly opposite directions. The sound quality is average with low amount of bass but the primary factor is mobility and it fairs fantastically in that sector.
Each of the Mimi Qube Wi-Fi speaker is available for £33.38 form Amazon UK.
8. Creative Gigaworks T20 Series II
Creative Gigaworks series is quite famous for amazing sound quality and T20 Series II is no misnomer. It also consists of two different chunky speakers but unlike Logitech V20 they need a separate power source which actually hinders the mobility of this set. Also the set is not thin and light like any other mobile speakers. Sound quality is pretty good, though at higher volumes the mild distortions and relatively poor performance in lower frequency region come into play. At normal volumes, T20 produces sound quality that is comparable to only InMotion AIR featured here.
At £52.94, Creative Gigaworks T20 Series II is not cheap.
9. Altec Lansing InMotion AIR
Altec Lansing InMotion AIR is a wireless speaker system from Altec Lansing that offers scintillating sound quality and boasts of a futuristic design which is quite enviable. InMotion AIR uses Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity and also comes with a wireless remote. Altec Lansing provided touch sensitive buttons on the device that makes it easier to access the audio controls and supports A2DP Bluetooth profiles for unhindered audio transmission from compatible devices. Sound quality is amazing and the best seen among all the devices featured here. Be it at low volume or highs, bass and treble are amazing and signal to noise ratio is pretty great.
This monolithic set comes for a whopping £500 which can easily burn a hole in your pocket.
10. iMicro Notebook MINI Speaker
The cheapest and cutest of all the speakers featured in this article, iMicro Notebook MINI Speaker is also the most portable one. It features a standard 3.5 mm line-in which is supported by a gazillion of audio devices out there and certainly by a Dell laptop. The RMS power output is pretty impressive at 3W each every speaker in the set. Frequency response is average and the overall performance is a little bit more than average while the speaker also suffers from usual high volume problems.
At $11.04 from Amazon, iMicro Notebook MINI Speaker is the most VFM speaker out there.
