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October 13, 2008 6:42 AM PDT

Add 2.1-channel speakers to your laptop for $19.99

by Rick Broida

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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by peteyboy84 October 13, 2008 7:41 AM PDT
Hey Rick, great deal! The minimum shipping from TigerDirect is $13.90 but if you look on the Amazon link you supplied, you will see that they are offering it for $19.99 as well with shipping of $9.89. Save another $4. I'm not sure if these shipping prices are just for my location, but I'm guessing it would still be cheaper regardless of the shipping address.
Reply to this comment
by MakaiOokami October 13, 2008 9:10 AM PDT
It'd be a good idea to buy a cheap music cd or dvd or something because I think 25 dollars gives you free shipping. So even better savings are applicable.
by rickbroida October 13, 2008 10:08 AM PDT
Good catch! I saw that Amazon's listing was serviced by TigerDirect, but didn't realize you could get a better shipping rate. Definitely the way to go...
by Yurtrash October 13, 2008 9:10 AM PDT
But you must consider that TigerDirect, in my opinion, is a scum suckung piece of S**T company that regularly cheats it customers. TD has routinely been under assault by various authorities and I don't believe has come out on top in any instance.

It would be best if companies such as this went away completely. Ask how they can offer a piece of equipment so much more cheaply. It probably is because they will require you to use their rebate programs. The rebate programs are the sleaziest part of the company and you would can count on not actually getting the rebate because of some bureaucratic issue either real or imaging. (e.g. your request was made using blue ink and is therefore unacceptable.)
Reply to this comment
by rickbroida October 13, 2008 10:08 AM PDT
FWIW, there's no rebate required with this offer.
by dude7895 October 13, 2008 12:27 PM PDT
I've used the rebate services from TD 4-5 times and have gotten the money back each time. I even bought a used laptop from them ($399) 3 years ago and it still runs fine. Maybe you should give examples of problems with rebates before you post a comment.
by NorthWakeDad October 14, 2008 4:43 AM PDT
I have not had problems with Tiger Direct's rebate program, either. Great find, Rick, Thanks.
by she_loves_the_tech November 8, 2008 12:54 PM PST
Took advantage of this offer! So glad I did. It's a huge improvement from the built-in speaker. Gets loud enough to throw a party in my dorm room ;)

Thanks for posting this one Rick!
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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