Laptop speakers

[mmmmmbarb]

I've been running these crappy $50 logitecs for almost 3 years, and am going to upgrade laptops so I figure I might as well toss my speakers as well. I've thoroughly enjoyed the logitecs, but I want better sound and the cord started failing.

So... I've been researching, and I'm wondering what you guys think about speakers.

I've been looking at these:
$92 Logitech z-2300 (2.1 system)
~$130-150 Logitech z-5300 (5.1 system)
$260 Logitech z-5500

I've been trying to configure laptops right now, but you can't upgrade the sound card... So I was wondering would I need to get a new sound card to get the optimal surround sound from the 5.1 systems? How hard would it be to install and how much would it cost? Should I just settle for the z-2300?

I'm pretty particular about my audio now, and mainly use it for mp3/movies/tv shows. In addition I can't play too loud because my walls are paper thin and my roomates will get mad. Two of my friends have the z-2300 and they seem great, but I'm not sure if its worth it to upgrade to a 5.1 system for 50 bucks more. What do you think? Are there any other good alternatives?

Oh and what do I look for numberwise when searching for speakers? What do watts indicate?

 

[The_Other_One]

You can't upgrade your soundcard, but you could add another PC-card/pcmcia or USB one. There are a few of both available on Newegg. Honestly, I've played with 5.1 and have never been pleased, even with my new harman/kardon receiver.

As for what to look for, the best you can do is simply listen to the speakers. There's all kinds of wattage rating and all which can all look fine on paper, but what really matters is how they sound and what YOU think of them...