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Technology

Smart USB speakers pump up the volume from laptops

By Paul Marks

1 September 2010

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Louder than they look

(Image: NXT)

THE tinny fizz produced by most laptops’ built-in speakers makes them far from ideal for listening to music. But plug-in speakers will soon be available that produce high-quality sound from portable PCs without the need for mains power.

The sound from existing computer-powered external speakers is often disappointing because the USB port, from which they get their power, can supply only 2.5 watts. Now the British firm NXT of Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, has come up with a USB-powered system that can deliver up to 15 watts to each speaker.

The transistor circuits in audio amplifiers…

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