Hub boosts your laptop's sound

By Martin Lynch on Jul 5, 2006 10:00 AM
Filed under Hardware

Four-port device includes an amp and speakers, and doubles as a battery
charger hub.

Notebooks may be lighter, faster and cheaper than ever, but many still leave a lot to be desired on the audio front and could benefit from external speakers.

But if you don't think sound quality alone justifies you carrying around a dedicated pair of speakers, a new 5-in-1 USB2 speaker hub may interest you.

The Pilotech hub not only includes twin 4w speakers and a 3w amplifier for audio playback, it also allows you to attach up to four USB devices to your notebook.

It can also charge USB peripherals or up to four NiMH rechargeables, using the power delivered by your USB port.

The specs do not make clear whether the device can be treated as self-powered hub, though this appears to be the case. If it is not self-powered, devices plugged into it can draw only a total of 500mw.

Prices have yet to be announced.