Altec Lansing has announced two new compact desktop speaker systems.

Altec Lansing VS2721

The VS2720 stereo system consists of a pair of satellite speakers, each containing a single 3in full-range driver and 3in passive radiator designed to improve the audio on your laptop, PC, MP3 player or games console. There are onboard controls for volume, power and tone as well as 3.5mm jack for connecting portable devices.

The VS2721 is a bigger 2.1 system with a pair of stereo speakers and a subwoofer. Each of the speakers has a 2in full-range driver, while the 28-watt sub uses a side-firing 4in driver. It includes a desktop controller for adjusting volume and tone.

Both systems are magnetically shielded so they can be used near a computer monitor, and are available now from Amazon, Currys, Dixons, John Lewis and PC World. Prices are £35 for the VS2720 £35 and £50 for the VS2721.