Arctic Sound S111 Notebook Speakers We’ve just reviewed a decent set of USB speakers and these types of external speakers are generally quite all right compared to what’s built into your laptop and certainly compared with the tiny one in your phone. And every time, it never fails to amaze me how much difference they do make. So it is with this diminutive set of speaker cubes from the well-known Arctic brand, the Sound S111. Unpack, plug in, enjoy!

It’s that simple or do you want to know more?

I can give you the specs – that’s an objective yardstick but it doesn’t tell you much.
I can add my opinion – but that’s a subjective measurement…
They best thing is just to splurge the 15 or 16 bucks on this set and see for yourself!
What can you lose?

OK. You want a more rounded opinion?
As I mentioned before: the sound quality is quite decent, particularly if you’re watching a YouTube video or listing to some background MP3s. It’s not stuff that you close your eyes for, sit back and intensely enjoy all the good vibrations that now surround you… They do the intended job and they do it well. The S111 look quite nice too and have a quality feel to the set. There’s nothing to protect the speakers if you take them with you on the road, but, what the heck – 15 bucks, we said… You can even power this device with a solar charger they sent along with this unit. More about that one later. I hooked it up to my HD2 and a solar charged battery and there the difference is enormous. Sure, a headphone is probably easier to use when you’re out and about but if you want to share some audio with friends, this is a good solution. Last thing worthy of note: there’s a large volume disc on the back of the main speaker unit. It’s easy to use and even though it’s the only control, it’s the one that counts most.

Verdict
If you don’t already have a set of external speakers for your netbook or lappie you can do much worse than spend a few cappuccinos on this set. In fact, just buy two sets – one for you and one to give away. They make a nice pressie… Have a look on their web site here.

Arctic Sound S111 Notebook Specifications:
Arctic Sound S111 Speakers
Features:
-Compact dice-shaped speakers – portable, lightweight
-Balanced vocals and bass for natural sound response
-Built-in volume control
-USB-powered
-3.5mm jack – compatible with computers, MP3, DVD, CD players

Frequency Response: 50Hz – 25kHz
Impedance: 4
Output Power: 4W (2W x 2) RMS
Cable: 1m with 3.5mm Stereo Plug
Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 70mm
Weight: 494g