MINI Compact Rectangle Computer Speaker Multimedia USB-powered for Notebook Laptop and PC with Digital Sound Only USB Port (White)

I admit to being somewhat skeptical about this computer speaker.Pro's:Build quality.. It is solidly made, not cheap and almost single-piece construction and rather weighty.Single USB cord, no other cords or power units to deal with.Single speaker with both left/right speakers.Con'sNo external volume adjustment.A 1 foot USB cord.No instructions (though it's easy to use if you know what to do),No explanation on the internals of the speaker,No mention of warranty.I was looking for a computer speaker that did not require a power unit, and that was a single piece so that one "box" was all that was required. It would seem that the MINI meets these qualifications, but with some minor caveats.Operation:The speaker comes with no user instructions. Most users that have computer speakers attached will generally use the output of their sound card at the back of their computer or perhaps the headphone output on the front somewhere. In either case such a hookup uses a typical 1/3 miniature stereo plug, and depending on the specific design of the speakers usually requires that they be plugged into a power source using a brick that plugs into the AC and which then plugs into the speaker.The MINI Compact does not require an external power source. It derives its power from the USB port and well as the audio. And I suspect that because of its rather solid and hefty weight it contains a rather sizable nickle-cadmium battery that gets charged up as you use it, though there's no mention of what exactly is inside this monolithic box that cannot be opened.The speaker comes with two drivers, one for the left and one for the right channels. I initially tested the speaker on a Surface Pro 3 computer running Windows 8.1:When you first plug the speaker into the USB port, the computer immediately recognized it as an external speaker - there were no indications of drivers being loaded.However, at first there was no sound when using the speaker even though you could hear sound coming from the built-in speakers of the Surface Pro 3. What you will have to do is check the setup for Sound using Control Panel, here's a brief rundown:1 - Go into Control Panel and locate Sound and click on it.2 - In the list of devices you will likely have one output device assigned as a default speaker and it will have a green checkmark on it.3 - Look for another "speaker" which will likely be the MINI Speaker, click on it, then click to make it the "default" output device4 - Configure it's properties: Set the volume level to what ever point you prefer, click OK and you're done.After setting up the speaker using the above procedure your should get sound from it. Since there is no external way to adjust the volume you'll have to go into the Properties settings and adjust the volume accordingly. I've left mine on full volume.When anything with sound is playing, just plug in the MINI speaker and the sound on the computer will cease and be transferred to the MINI Speaker - at least that's the way it worked for my setup. Your sound setting may be more involved so you may have a slightly different experience.Sound quality was quite good: You will of course not hear thundering bass and shimmering highs - this is not an Audiophile speaker system, but what you will hear is crisp, strong, and very clear music and voice. When I was listening to audio on the Suface Pro 3 and unplugged the MINI the sound immediately switched back to the Surface Pro's internal speakers... it was like night and day. The MINI speaker is simply outstanding.My only complaint, is that it does not have an external volume adjustment and the cord is a bit too short, though you can get a USB extension chord. However, be careful with an extension cord because not all USB extension cords are the same and do not get an unnecessarily long one because that can affect power into the MINI speaker.Aside from those two issues, the lack of an external volume adjustment and a short USB chord, the MINI speaker is outstanding to improve the volume and clarity of the internal speakers on almost any computer (I would imagine this would work on a Mac as well, though I don't know).If you're not techie enough to deal with the possibility of having to go into Control Panel and Sound configurations, etc., then you should probably pass on this computer speaker and select a more traditional set that uses the typical audio/line out jack.If however, you're modestly familiar and confident of using Control Panel and setting the Sound configuration for your computer then the MINI speaker is a steal at the price presuming you can deal with it's rather short cord and lack of external volume control.I was very impressed with its quality of sound and I plan to purchase another.

Hisses continuously.That is the minus. I bought this for videoconferencing multiple computers (so needed a simple, plug-and-play speaker) that was cheap. This seemed to be the answer to my prayers: only a few dollars, no need for separate stereo speakers in this application (in fact stereo a minus as it would add an unnecessary speaker). HOWEVER: a few minutes after installation I realized I had made a mistake. Whenever plugged in, if no audio being broadcast, it hissed continuously. It was fine when actually playing audio, but all 3 had this problem. Not worth returning so straight to the trash can, unfortunately.Note: this hissing was present whether plugged into computer directly, a hub, or a monitor.

PROS: The sound quality is great! No super high treble or super low bass - for which I am very glad. Biggest reasons for my happiness - this thing is solid, has weight to it and 2 rubber feet to keep it stable; LOUD clear sound; PRICE, totally reasonable!Another "pro" - I can keep my headphones plugged into their jacks (mic & speaker)! Skycool just plugs into USB. Only "con" to this: I have to pull out the USB connector when I need to use my headphones. BUT, with all other speakers, I had to switch out the speaker cords from portable speaker to headphones whenever Skype would ring! Quite inconvenient and exasperating for anyone with physical issues.PRICE/QUALITY COMPARISONS: I have purchased speakers over and over again in the $5, $10, & $20 ranges. Skycool was around $12 I believe. Some of the others were so lightweight, with no padding ($7), long double-cords that tangled. Those $20 pop-out speakers can't compare! So super-sensitive, low volume, filled with static within weeks or months after purchase.CONS: A short cord from speaker to pc. I suppose that cuts down on costs and since most are using laptops, not a problem there. It DOES reach from tower pc to sit atop the tower, so not a deal-breaker.For a person who has a condition in which most speakers get flung about while attempting setup or just moving them - thereby ruining them - this is perfect! And for anyone looking for great sound quality in a unit designed to last - heaven!

This was incredible when I first got it, but within 2 months it completely stopped working.

In the picture, this device looks... cheap. It still looks pretty cheap in person, too - but it does the job EXTREMELY well. Connected instantly to my computer, provided no more than a little bit of static background noise - and it's white noise, not an obnoxious buzz. Totally acceptable. Ran the built-in audio test, and the female announcer's voice "front left" and "front right" was very loud, clear, and undistorted. Then I played Steep Canyon Ranger's song "Lonesome Moon" - and was surprised that the song played out L-O-U-D at full volume, with no clipping, no distortion, no rattling. You won't want to throw away your home stereo, but the device is actually *listenable* with real music, and at full volume, which I did not expect at all.This is a *really* well-made device. The USB cable could be longer, but at the price, even if you need to buy a six foot USB extension cable, it's well worth it. Highly recommended.

I was so excited when this speaker arrived. I used with my computer and the sound was great for the first minute or two then the speaker would have static... it sounded over modulated. I turned down the volume but it did not help. So I disconnected the speaker and started over and same thing happened. I finally gave up and used my ear plugs. I really wanted it to work.