Creative Inspire S2

Creative Inspire S2 Wireless

Not long ago, Creative unveiled the Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes + Receiver ($149.99, ) - a simple contraption that streams music wirelessly from your PC via a USB dongle. And since streaming music is all the rage these days, Creative has also released wireless PC speakers, like the Inspire S2 Wireless ($149.99 direct). But unlike the SoundBlaster devices, which use a different 2.4-GHz, RF-based technology, the Inspire S2 uses Bluetooth, which isn't exactly known for its audio fidelity, to transmit wireless audio. The Inspire S2, though, manages to overcome many Bluetooth audio shortcomings and adds versatility so you can connect the speakers to any Bluetooth-enabled device like a cell phone or an iPod touch ($299, ). The Inspire S2's tiny 4.1-by-2.9-by-2.9-inch (HWD) satellite speakers, unlike the name may imply, don't look particularly inspiring. They're simply white, upward-angled elongated cubes with black grilles. The upward-angle is important so that audio is projected toward your ears and not at your chest, and it's a smart design decision that many desktop speaker manufacturers don't make, unfortunately. The Inspire S2 is wireless as far as not having to connect the speakers to your PC, but the system isn't completely wireless. The speakers connect to the subwoofer with wires.