Add 2.1-channel speakers to your laptop for $19.99
Notebook not included.
(Credit: Logitech)Almost without exception, notebook speakers...what's the word I'm looking for...suck. If you use a notebook as your primary desktop system, you should definitely look into a speaker upgrade. TigerDirect has the Logitech AudioHub notebook speaker system on sale for just $19.99 (plus shipping). How good a deal is that? Just about everyone else sells it for $80 to $100.
The AudioHub delivers 2.1-channel digital sound (meaning it has two satellite speakers and a subwoofer) via a USB interface. It also doubles as a powered, three-port USB hub, a nice benefit for port-strapped notebooks. (Plus, if your notebook is like most, the USB ports are on the side, which makes for a lot of annoying cable clutter. Use the hub and you can keep cables in the rear where they belong.)
The speakers churn out 15 watts of audio goodness--not a ton, but better than you get from most built-in speakers. If you check the product page on Amazon, you'll see that nearly 75 users rated the AudioHub 4.5 stars out of 5. Not too shabby.
I don't love the AudioHub's aesthetic--I actually find it pretty ugly--but if you regularly use your desk-bound notebook for music, movies, games, and the like, this is a crazy-good deal on a speaker upgrade.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
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