|
Sonic
Impact Technologies’ SI-5 Blue Multimedia Speakers
By
Mitchell Levine
The
multimedia functions of the portable technologies being procured
by education buyers today are far from being just a sidebar to
their deployment. From group presentations in Powerpoint to the
potential applications of interactivity to special education,
the audio and video capabilities of the laptops and desktops now
being purchased for New York’s classrooms are integral to the
ultimate effectiveness of their usage. And, even for relatively
affordable equipment like that being purchased for the schools,
those capabilities are spectacular. For example, the audio response
and frequency bandwidth of my 866Mhz PIII portable’s sound system
easily outperforms my stereo.
The only problem is that the speakers built into both it and most
other laptops are about the size of those on a phone receiver.
This, unfortunately, greatly limits their usefulness, even in
an education setting: no teacher wants to have to compete with
the ambient noise pollution of this metropolitan area, and sonic
distortion completely negates the value of a product as a communication
tool for the exceptional student.
Thanks to Sonic Impact Technologies, however, a simple and practical
solution is available. Approximately the size of a jewel CD case,
the SI-5 series flat-panel speakers are nonetheless high-output,
audiophile performers that are fully capable of exceeding the
standards of far more expensive stereo components. An admittedly
non-technical evaluation on my system reveals volume levels and
response quality on par with a good car audio system, at least
to my ears. Four AAA batteries provide a typical fifteen hours
of play at high levels of amplification, which, although impressive
for battery operation, is light for extended use, and can be supplemented
by an optional USB power adapter. The speakers come equipped with
3D sound technology on its IC chip that, while subtle, has a noticeable
effect on the richness and clarity of its audio reproduction.
Long story short, I’ve tried several multimedia speakers, abandoned
them, and can quite simply say that for under $60, the SI-Blues
are the only product you need to seriously consider to amplify
for your portable computer, CD/DVD or mp3 player. For more
information or to order, log on to the company’s site at www.si-5.com
or contact them toll-free at 1-800-533-5177.#
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of
the publisher. © 2001.
|
