It's a UFO; it's a wacky, useless thingamajig from Sharper Image. No -- it's JBL's kickin' Creature II speakers! (How appropriate.)

Using plug-and-play technology, the Creature II is easy to set up, even for the technologically disinclined. There are only four wires to connect, and not only are they color-coded, but they each have a uniquely shaped collar. (If you mess this one up, I'd question how you got into college in the first place.) And whether you're a Mac devotee or a PC supporter, the Creature II will do wonders for your sound needs. (Yes, it'll work for your iPod, too.)

Lined up side-by-side, the Creature II's three pieces only span 15 inches across, making them perfect for cramped dorm room living. These multimedia speakers may be tiny in size, but they more than make up for it in sound. (Perhaps it's a Napoleonic complex.) The subwoofer (the main hub) is rated at 27 watts, and the two satellite speakers are rated at 9 watts each, giving you a total of 45 watts. Position the moveable satellites anywhere around your room, and you can create your own sonic sound. So put the subwoofer on your dresser, one satellite speaker on your desk, the other on your windowsill, and you've got enough musical might to rock a full-on party! (In fact, you might be asked to turn 'em down -- they're that loud. But don't worry: The Creature II has touch volume control, so you won't have to fiddle with 'em for an hour.)

But as any music aficionado knows, it's not the volume, but the sound quality that matters most. The Creature II's subwoofer provides clean, low bass with a crisp, open sound. It takes anything you throw at it, from Beethoven to Bloc Party, from Jay-Z to Jack Johnson, and makes the music pop.

Joining a cool sci-fi design and outstanding sound quality, JBL has created the quintessential set of speakers for college kids. (You don't want bulky ugly speakers crammed into your room, do you?) Choose from three colors: grey, black (looks like Darth Vadar's helmet), or white. And retailing for under $100, the Creature II is a veritable steal. Get on this spaceship before it blasts off!