Most laptop computers (and most desktop computers, for that matter) only have a single audio output jack. Regular computer speakers use a single plug (usually green) and then split the signal between two speakers. This works well for just about anything… except music and DVD audio.

Audio Cards

With desktop computers, you can open the case and plug in an advanced audio card made by any number of manufacturers. This audio card will have multiple audio output jacks.

With most laptop computers, adding an audio card isn't an option. I say "most" because some top-of-the-line laptops offer features that regular laptops (the kind normal working people can afford) don't. Needless to say, I have never investigated if this is an option for them or not.

Signal Splitters

The easiest way to use a good audio speaker system, the kind with more than two speakers, is to put a signal splitter between the computer and the speakers. This is what I did for myself in 2006, after my wife bought me a Creative Inspire audio speaker system.

With this speaker system, I could only use the main speaker and two satellite speakers (of five) by inserting the green plug only into the audio output jack of the notebook computer I was using at the time. This worked fine most of the time and had much better sound than the cheap computer speakers you normally get.

I wasn't satisfied with the 3-speaker sound. When I returned to the US in August of 2006, for my older son's wedding, I ordered a Boostaroo signal splitter and amplifier. Designed to work with iPods and other portable MP3 players, it still worked well with my notebook. This was perfect for using the notebook and audio speaker combination for some of the outdoor parties we've had since then.

Other Options

I honestly don't know of any other way to hook up good audio speakers to any kind of computer system. The options I know of only consist of using either an advanced audio card or a signal splitter as a "go between". If you have any other ideas, please let me know.

Of course, you can always use a good headset instead of audio speakers. You'd be listening to music or whatever by yourself, but at least it wouldn't sound horrible.

I still use the Boostaroo splitter with my desktop computer. With future outdoor parties, I plan to use unplug it and use it (along with the speakers and an external hard drive with a ton of music on it) with my MSI Wind netbook computer. It won't be quite as portable as I'd like, but I haven't heard of wireless audio speaker systems being available yet.

• Laptop Computer Speakers
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