Difference between computer speakers and just normal speakers?

[theplanb]

I was always wondering..
Why some speakers are advertised as computer speakers while some are hifi.. umm.. speakers.
I mean, what differences is there? Say there is this 5.1 speaker set.. Could there be extra connectors or output different sound if it's designed to be used to a computer?

 

[SilentRunning]

Computer speakers are magnetically shielded so they can be put near your computer and monitor.

 

[Mday]

actually, "regular" speakers are even magnetically shielded. i mean some go near televisions, so...

nayway, the only difference between your home theatre speakers and PC speakers is that PC speakers are smaller.

the 5.1 systems for PCs are somewhat the same as what you would get for your entertainment center (EC), except that the PC ones usually have one set of input sockets, while a 5.1 system for a home theatre would have several.

there is another difference, i have yet to see "flat panel speakers" for the EC.

there are plenty of audiophiles (fans of audio) who DO NOT use PC speakers, but instead have their line\speaker-out of their soundcards plugged into an audio system (reciever, amp, preamp, whatever) of some sort. if you choose to do so, you would need a stereo mini plug to dual RCA adapter.