What Is the Difference Between Laptop Speakers & Regular Speakers?
Some speaker sets for computers come labeled as “laptop speakers” or “notebook speakers,” and while the basic construction and compatibility of these models are no different than their desktop counterparts, some design choices mean that these speakers are best suited for use with portable computer systems.
Other People Are Reading
-
Similarities
-
Most speakers, whether designed for desktop PCs or notebooks, use either a USB or a 3.5mm connection, with 3.5mm as the most common variety. These connections work with almost any computer and some other audio devices as well. Some speakers also have a wireless connection option.
Portability
-
The biggest difference between the two varieties of speakers is portability. Most laptop speaker systems take up significantly less space than their desktop counterparts, and many can fold, fit inside each other, or otherwise minimize their physical profile for storage and transportation. Size is usually a highlighted component in laptop speaker advertising, such as the Koyono Chill Pill speakers, which are a mere two inches wide, or Eagle Technology’s five inch subwoofer.
-
Size
-
Smaller speakers sacrifice sound delivery quality when compared with larger computer speakers. Though high end notebook speakers may adequately simulate slightly larger speakers, most small speakers have noticeably audible shortcomings. Bass delivery and overall speaker volume capability will increase as speaker size increases, so standard computer speakers will perform better in these areas.
Power
-
While most standard computer speakers come with an AC adaptor, many laptop speaker systems have USB cords that power the speakers directly from the notebook computer. Ridding the system of a dedicated power supply cord means an increase in portability, but also an increase on the power drain of the laptop.
Number
-
While the actual number of speakers in a standard computer speaker system varies from two to five, and occasionally even higher, most laptop speaker setups include only two speakers. Since all but the most specialized of laptops tailored to audio creation can only utilize two speakers, speaker manufacturers keep the number of units low to further increase portability.
-
References
- Photo Credit computer speakers image by sarit saliman from Fotolia.com
