LaCie has been known to look outside the company for product design, and the Sound2 is no exception. The design seems to reflect a 45RPM record minus the label, or perhaps a giant pair of headphones. Kind of cool, really, but I can’t recommend speakers based on looks alone. You’ll get adequate audio out of the Sound2, but at $99, you’ve heard better.

This may not sound right, but when it comes to reviewing computer speakers, I take the same approach as I do with iPhone cases. There’s a balance to be achieved. With iPhone cases, it’s design, functionality and protection. With computer speakers, it’s design, functionality and sound, but tipping heavily towards sound. Altec Lansing understands this. Always have.