Yeah, i know, you've heard the phrase a hundred times. It's just as true for computer speakers as it is for any other thing. Big numbers, huge size, or large, fancy boxes have nothing to do with how good a set of computer speakers are. In the work of computer speakers, the numbers are important but are not always the best indicators.

The first rule of computer speaker shopping is try before you buy. If you dont have the chance to examine for yourself the clarity, bass, and output that a computer set is capable of, you are going to be short-changed invariably. What can be read on the back of fancy cardboard boxes does not always reflect what is inside the package.

When going out to buy a set of speakers, you need to have a good idea of what you need them for, what features you absolutely need to have, what features you can do without and a general idea of what you are willing to spend. If a set of speakers sounds real nice but is charging you an arm and a leg for midi outputs and stereo output jacks and cables or technologies you dont need or understand, don't buy the speakers. There is no reason to pay for something you dont need and will never use.

As far as what to listen for in a set of PC speakers, you need to notice clarity, volume reverbrations, bass output, and power (measured in watts):

Clarity is obvious, it is how crisp and clear sound card sound is piped through your speakers to your ears. If the sound is blurring or individual tones are running together, dont bother to buy the speakers.

Volume reverbrations are the physical vibrations and the absence of sound quality at higher volumes. If you intend to host a party with mp3 music or to give a multimedia presentation, you absolutely must make sure that sound reverb is taken care of in the speakers that you buy. For some people, sound reverb may not be a deciding factor (for example, speakers for an office environment).

Bass output is how low and deep the speakers can handle sound without it meshing out at a certain "valley". All speakers have a floor at which they can produce a sound no lower but some speakers have that floor much lower than others. Also, notice that a set of speakers that includes a subwoofer is going, on average, to have a much better bass output than a simple set of cube speakers.

The power that a set of speakers uses is important to be able to guage the effectiveness of the speakers' sound output. If you are using a set of high-watt low-volume speakers than obviously the speakers are very inefficient. The flipside is true also.

For an occassional few, design and looks may be a consideration. Though i personally do not recommend taking such a factor into consideration for a sound device, some may find it neccessary to take into account.

Speaker selection requires taking into account a wide range of features. Some people may want to take along a sensitive hearing friend who can help them distinguish. I wish you good luck in your search for aureal satisfaction.