Seemingly inspired by a PVC tube corner-connector, LaCie’s latest diversion from the world of hard-drive comes in speaker form. Design by Neil Poulton out of France, the LaCie USB Speakers are a modern, lightweight and welcomed addition to the realm of desktop speakers.

The $59.99 (USD) speakers are completely plug and play for both PC and Mac, requiring no drivers. They work over USB which means no need for a power adaptor (they’re bus-powered).

The last time I was impressed by the design of a set of desktop speakers was the harman/kardon Soundsticks (they went great with my iMac G4). Since I stopped using those a few years ago, I haven’t actually used a pair of desktop speakers.

The minimalistic and modern design of the LaCie USB speakers make them an easy addition to any design conscious user. They look great next to a white MacBook or a current generation aluminum MacBook or MacBook Pro.

If there’s one complaint for Apple’s line of notebooks it’s their horrendously low speaker internal speaker volume. When I use my laptop at my desk, the $59.99 the LaCie speakers are an affordable and appreciated addition.

The sound volume of the speakers is considerably good for an office or working space, but don’t expect to wake the neighbours with them. As an audiophile, you may notice some deficiencies on the lows but considering their small physical footprint and overall great quality, this isn’t a huge issue.

While intuitively designed to hide cables and even allow the input of an iPod or other audio device (through a 3.5mm jack), the speakers give no ability for volume control, or volume level feedback on the unit themselves. The audio input has been great, allowing me to connect both my desktop (through the 3.5mm jack) and my laptop (through the USB) to the speakers and use them for both computers while at my desk.

Being USB powered has its obvious costs/benefits. On the plus, the direct digital USB connection provides for a better quality signal to the speakers, while at the same time it means sacrificing an important USB port.

The setup is extremely simple and completely plug and play. Just take the speakers out of the box and insert the USB. You’re ready to go. If for some reason they don’t start to work, just launch System Preferences (or Control Panel on a PC), go to your sound preferences and select the USB Audio Device as your sound output.

These speakers are a great addition and have earned a permanent spot on my desk. There are no alarming trade-offs between form and function, and the apparent focus on both has created a great product at a great price.






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