Review: Verbatim Portable USB Audio Bar

Verbatim's Portable USB Audio Bar is a nifty add-on to a laptop, and the sound quality was a definite improvement, even when compared to my BF's Macbook. In fact, those who watch movies on their laptops will do well to get themselves this little speaker.

The speaker bar is slim and designed to attach to the top of a laptop. It has enough spacing to fit neatly onto even the oldest and fattest of laptops. The slim design also means the speaker easily fits alongside a laptop in a carrier case.

While the volume cannot be changed on the speaker itself, it is designed exclusively for laptop use, so users can adjust the volume on their laptops.

However, the short length of the USB cable proved rather frustrating, as it could not reach the USB input on my HP laptop, which is at the front left-hand corner - it reached the USB input of the Macbook comfortably. However, as different laptops have different USB spacing, this is an unforgivable design oversight.

A retractable USB cable would probably be the best solution, as it would allow for a long enough cable to reach the USB input on any laptop, without the cable clogging up the user's desk when the USB input is placed close to the screen. It would also make for neater storage.

I did find the use of a USB connection rather irksome because it left me with one less USB input while the audio input is rendered useless. Users watching movies off a USB hard drive will have to forgo the use of their mouse in order to use the Audio Bar if they only have two USB ports, which is the case on a number of laptops.

Of course, a mouse is not really necessary when watching movies, but then again, it is for playing games.

The Verbatim Portable USB Audio Bar delivers great sound quality without distortion. When playing sound out at maximum volume, I was also able to hear the sound throughout our three-bedroom house.

While the sound was a bit tinny, and fell short on base, I did not notice this when watching movies.

Verbatim's USB speakers are ideal for users who watch movies on their laptops, or would like to play games with better sound quality than that provided by their laptops. As a result of the USB connection, users without enough USB inputs will have to invest in a multiple USB adaptor. Of course, this will also be necessary in instances where the 60cm cable does not reach the laptop's USB input.

All in all, this is a good external speaker, designed to fit conveniently on top of a laptop, and it provides decent sound.