I worry that you're not getting the max amount of sounds and music out of your PC. It wouldn't surprise me if some of you are still using the cheapo speakers that came with your '386; others might not be sure how to adjust the system's sound settings or upgrade a sound card. So for this week's newsletter, I rounded up a few articles and guides to help you let the music flow freely.
PC Speakers
Everyone I know has their own music work style. I spend lots of computer time listening to music; it seems to help my creative juices flow. Most of the time I've got jazz pumping out of my Logitech 560 surround-sound speaker set. When it gets late and I need to keep things quiet, or if the neighbor's gardener is blasting away with his leaf blower, I switch to a headset.
My editor, however, nixes the whole idea of music in his corner office and keeps his speakers down low. (He also wears a tie to work, but that's another story.) I've tried telling him that even his system sounds are tinny, but he won't listen.
I know he edits this newsletter, so he has no choice but to read about the $60 JBL Duet speakers that could improve his situation. And if he wasn't such a cheapskate, he might go for Onkyo's $200 Digital Theater Station GXW-5.1 speaker set, which Michael Lasky reviewed in "Fun Tech," a fun read if you like gadgets.
Sound Cards
Besides speakers, there are a couple of critical things you need to examine on your system, including the sound card. Stan Miastkowski put together a solid piece, "Surround Yourself With PC Sound," that helps you not only install a new sound card, but also understand how sounds emanate from your PC. Pay close attention to the instructions on installing a sound card and setting up the speakers.
If Stan's article intrigued you and you're ready to pick up a sound card (or maybe a set of speakers), whiz over to Michael Gowan's roundup of audio cards and speakers. In it you'll find a slew of comparisons and specs that'll help you make a sound decision.
BTW, not all audio cards are worth the money. Eric Dahl blasts Audiotrak's Prodigy--because of drivers, performance, and software (what else is there, pray tell?); but he gives the M-Audio sound card jump a gushing review.
Want even more choices? Check the PC World Product Finder for the latest prices on sound cards.
Dig This: In last week's newsletter, I had tons of videos with motorcyclists doing, well, dumb things. Now I've got a video for you that stars one very lucky rider. [860KB (with no sound, kind of ironic for the topic of this newsletter)]
Sounds Good! (No, Good Sounds!)
When you start fiddling with music and sounds--say, porting things from your music CDs to your PC or vice versa--you really need to understand the digits, the ones and zeros. In "Your Digital Music Studio," Jon L. Jacobi takes you through a seven-part thesis with everything you need to know to start enjoying digital music. Better, Jon also teaches you how the technology works behind the scenes.
Once you get some tunes cranking, you'll probably want to get them onto an MP3 player. It's no surprise that everyone sells MP3 players. Instead of feeling confused, start with the basics in "How to Buy an MP3 Player."
Our reviews are just as valuable: "Quick Take: More Than a Good Gig (of Music)" is a short review of Rio's relatively new Nitrus MP3 player (what a name, eh?); "Digital Audio Players: Tote Your Tunes" gives you a hands-on review of six devices, including those luscious little keychain numbers the size of a tube of lipstick.
Joining the fray is a new gizmo--PoGo Products' Radio Your Way--a $150 radio that acts like a TiVo. It's not something I want, though there's no accounting for taste, right? But you can decide for yourself if it's a solution in search of a problem, by reading "Left to My Devices: Radio Your Way Is Radio My Way" to learn the details.
Dig This: It's only ping-pong, I know, but watch for a minute and you'll wonder how those guys can perform such dramatic moves. Then, all of a sudden, the light will go on. [3.5MB video]
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