Altec Lansing Orbit USB Speaker Gets More Out of Less

USB speakers are a great idea for what was previously a very cable-messy peripheral. Altec Lansing, no stranger to sound, has a new twist to make them even better. The Orbit USB portable speaker system, packing a big punch in a small package, combines the power wasted by splitting sound into a tight radiating 360 degree sound field so the design represents a significant departure from previous 1-piece USB speaker. As the Orbit is made of slick aluminum and composite components, the solid composition should keep cabinet resonance from distorting sound quality. This should also help it survive more than a few bumps traveling by your side.

Besides the construction and internal quality, some care has been put into the exterior features. The Orbit USB speaker has a small base mounted kickstand that can be used to tilt sound in a particular direction. The base also contains a recessed area for winding the USB cable up. Once it's all wound into a neat little package you can throw it into the included nylon carrying case and attach it to your backpack or bag with its carabiner clip. Available next month for $49.95.