The USB 2.0 Speaker system has a surprisingly strong sound, better than I actually expected it to be. The two small speakers are relatively inexpensive and yet deliver a powerful sound. My notebook speakers were weak, and would not play loud enough for my desires. Often times, I would miss important points due to a low volumn that was max on my notebook speakers. I like to listen to books and written articles that can be accessed over the internet. One of my favorite things to do while taking a hot soaking bath in salts for relaxing and soothing tired muscles and hydrating the skin, etc. . Putting something on that is loud enough to be able to hear the entire program due to the strength of these added little speakers is a welcomed assist. The set up was easy, just connect the two included connections to the notebook, click on the site on the notebook that you desire to listen to, and you are good to go. The black coloring matches the notebook precisely. The cords are short, so there are no long cords to worry with. there are only a few inches of space needed in addition to the space required to accomodate the notebook itself.