7. Hercules XPS 2.0 60

Hercules XPS 2.0 60, $99.99

Now, here’s a grown-up version of a cute iPod dock. Hercules’ XPS 2.0 60 desktop stereo speaker set sells for under $100, but has design cues taken from a multi-thousand dollar speaker system that would reside comfortably in a downtown loft. These affordable speakers could add panache to a mature teenager’s room or a classy co-ed’s dorm room. Piano-black gloss covers a solid wood casing, but these are miniaturized—at only 8" tall they economize limited space on a desk. There’s no sub-woofer included (though there are tweeters), but there’s a bass port on the back of each stand that pumps up the bass power when speakers are up against a wall (which we imagine they might be in a small room). These speakers are also magnetically shielded, so don’t worry about that microwave oven sitting right next to the desk.

Adding to the high-end look are the included adjustable-length wires that connect the two speakers—these snap into the “spring connectors” at the back of the speakers. The speakers can connect through a line-in port in the back to a PC or stereo. However, there’s also an auxiliary audio input port on the side for other music-player gadgets like any MP3 player, CD player, game console, or TV. A dedicated headphone jack on the right speaker rounds out the connectivity options. Volume and sound control knobs are on the front of the right speaker, as well. Well done, you’ve graduated from a baby iPod dock to stereo speakers, kid.