Best Computer Speakers

Logitech Z-2300 (Around $100)

Best 2.1 computer speakers. If you're more interested in music than 3D gaming, or you just don't have the space for so many speaker units, reviews say the Logitech Z-2300 is the best 2.1 computer speaker system (two 40-watt satellites plus a 120-watt subwoofer). Reviews say the Logitech PC speakers are nice and loud, without losing clarity or becoming distorted at higher volume levels. The Logitech speakers come with an adapter so you can also use them with game consoles and DVD players.

Altec Lansing VS2321 ( Around $40)

Budget 2.1 computer speakers. Among cheaper 2.1 speakers, the Altec Lansing VS2321 receives excellent reviews, and many experts say they simply could not find any faults for the price. Although the Altec Lansing speakers won't get loud enough to pump music through more than one room, reviews do not note any distortion at the upper reaches of its volume. One of the 6-watt satellite speakers contains a volume knob and headphone jack, plus a second input for plugging in an MP3 player. There's a 20-watt subwoofer.

Logitech Z-5500 (Around $275)

Best 5.1 computer speakers. Reviews are unanimous about the power and sound quality of the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers. A 5.1 system consists of five satellite speakers plus a subwoofer for true surround sound. The 505-watt Logitech Z-5500 speaker system is best for gamers and movie buffs who crave ambient 3D sound. Every review we found comments on the Logitech Z-5500's speaker's disturb-the-neighborhood, room-shaking volume capacity and bass control. You'll need a sound card that supports Dolby 5.1 or higher to take full advantage of the Z-5500 computer speakers, which can also be used with game consoles, stereo equipment and portable audio players.


Altec Lansing VS3151 (Around $75)

Budget 5.1 computer speakers. While they don't come anywhere close to the Logitech Z-5500 PC speakers, reviewers say the Altec Lansing VS3151 computer speaker system is a decent way to get cheap surround sound. Each satellite gets 5-watts (compared to the Z-5500 speaker's 62-watt satellites), and the subwoofer gets 20-watts (compared to the Z-5500's 188-watts). While they don't get very loud, and bass is a little lacking, reviews say output from the Altec Lansing speakers is clear and well defined, with no distortion.

Best Webcams

Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision (Around $100)

Best webcam overall. Reviewers unanimously agree that the QuickCam Ultra Vision produces the best image quality of any webcam. The precision glass five-lens system produces clearer images than other webcams, and the camera is capable of capturing video at up to 960 x 720. The Ultra Vision is more expensive than the similar and cheaper Logitech QuickCam Fusion, but reviewers still give the Ultra Vision the edge in sound and image quality. Some say the QuickCam Ultra Vision is a little bulky, and it works better on a monitor than a laptop.

Logitech QuickCam Fusion (Around $65)

Best value. The Logitech QuickCam Fusion is one of the two best webcams on the market, according to reviews. The more expensive Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision has better image quality, but the Fusion is still very good. This model also does a good job in low light -- a common challenge for webcams. The Fusion has a true 1.3-megapixel sensor for stills, and it shoots VGA video. Its face-tracking feature aims to keep your face in the center of the picture as you move around. The Logitech Fusion webcam has a sensitive built-in microphone. If you don't care about face-tracking and can live with lower resolution, the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX costs less.


Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX (Around $45)

Budget Webcam. Budget webcam. If you don't need fancier features like face-tracking and enhanced audio, reviews say the QuickCam Communicate STX Webcam is the best inexpensive webcam. The Communicate has 640 x 480 VGA resolution for video and still photos -- that's better than the typical 352 x 288 on the cheapest webcams. The Logitech does much better in low light than other cameras in its price class. It has an integrated microphone in addition to a headset microphone.


Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (Around $65)

Laptop Webcam. Most webcams come with a stand that you can hang on a monitor or position on a desktop. This Logitech laptop USB web camera is just for PC notebooks, with a spring-loaded clip that clamps to most laptop screens. The top-rated QuickCam for Notebooks Pro has a good integrated microphone, a glass lens for very good image quality and a 1.3-megapixel image sensor that's capable of capturing video at resolutions of up to 960 x 720. A face-tracking feature keeps your face in the center of the image even if you move around