The days are long gone when your laptop was just an easier way of writing, sending e mails and browsing the web.
Most now are multi use and allow you to watch television programmes, store and print pictures and listen to music.
One thing you will find is that the built in laptop speakers have not kept pace with the improvements in technology and using an alternative is the choice for many.
There are a variety of different types, and as with many things, it is hard to know what type will be best for you.
All laptops will have speakers built into them, but while they will allow you to listen to music and hear the programmes you want to watch, the quality is not ideal.
They are not loud and if you want to listen to music, unless you are sitting right next to the laptop you will struggle to hear anything.
By the time they are on full volume, most will be badly distorted, and the decline in quality starts at quite a low sound level.
There are so many devices that can be attached to your laptop to give extra facilities, and now speakers can be added to the list.
They will produce a much higher quality sound and allow you to use your laptop in the same way you would use a television or CD player.
It is not possible to change the speakers in your laptop, so the only option to get the quality you want is to buy external speakers.
This may not always be the case, but as the technology does not seem to be imminent, don't worry about buying new laptop speakers and then finding them obsolete in a few weeks.
The external speakers come in pairs, and most models will be of a quality to be suitable for web conferencing, although it will be best to select a pair that is more suitable for this than the ones that are aimed mainly for listening to music.
You will need better quality, but you will be able to find them.
You have a choice of external speakers, depending on what you want, and how much you want to pay.
Some can be connected by USB cables and are tidy and clear.
They are not the best on the market, but as long as you just want to hear music with friends, the quality is fine.
If you really use your laptop on your lap, USB ones would add more weight to your legs, and also you risk damaging them if you move quickly.
More up to date are the wireless speakers.
They give you more freedom to move your laptop, and not worry about damaging them.
As well as being a useful addition, they speakers are considered an important part of the laptop.
The laptop speakers are by and large well designed, and are now made in pink to match the increasing number of laptops of that color.