Awesome Speakers - but where can you get them???

These speakers are definitely the best I've ever used. The sound is very clear and the subwoofers are phenomenal. They will make any computer sound like a symphony orchestra. The USB connection for the digital output in the sound eliminates a lot of "buzz" that you may hear compared to typical analog connections. You also get a sweet EQ control over your sound including a simulated Microsoft Surround Sound which is a very cool feature. I paid $30 for these speakers - they had a $50 rebate.

So the good:

1) Awesome design - black, very sleek
2) Best sound I've heard out of a computer - when it works (see below)
3) EQ allows for great fine tuning
4) Microsoft Surround Sound - for Movies +++++++
5) Cost - can't beat it really for Digital Speakers

Here are the problems:

1) USB Not compatible with every computer!! I don't understand this, but when I first got my computer Microsoft said they wouldn't work with Compaq computers. I updated my driver with compaq and they worked.

2) Sometimes when I am doing a lot of background work (internet surfing, etc.) The sound gets all slowed down and it doesn't return to normal unless I stop playing the sound and then play it again. Very inconvinient

3) No headphone jack!! - This really sucks! You have to put it in the computer and then switch it over to Analog sound in the Control Panels

So this was the first generation of digital speakers and a great effort by Microsoft (& Phillips). I'd stay away unless you found a great deal - say $20. There are other products out there, so check them out too.

I haven't seen these speakers sold ANYWHERE for a really long time. Rumor is that Microsoft will updating this model, so I'd stay tuned