The Mac|Life editors’ favorite new pastime (besides fiddling with our Apple gear, of course) is playing DJ. Most days, we can be found at turntable.fm/maclife spinning tunes and nerding out on music while we work. But office decorum dictates that we wear headphones while rocking out. Yes, technology has made it extremely easy for Robbie to go on a Smiths bender and take the rest of us along for the ride -- but Paul’s ban on Morrissey in the office is still very much in effect, and violators are punished swiftly.

Yes, most of your movies and music already lives inside your Mac, and yes, the built-in speakers on iMacs and MacBooks work for watching that “Honey Badger” video on YouTube when you’re supposed to be working. But to really pump up your movies and music on whatever type of Mac you use, dedicated external speakers are a must. The sleek new Rockus 3D 2.1’s look like they pack the power to help you kick back and be entertained…but does the audio quality keep up with their lovely modern lines?

Looks aren’t everything -- and despite the stereotypes to the contrary, this is something Mac users take to heart. Sure, our iMacs and MacBooks looks a hell of a lot slicker than those giant bricks everyone else calls a computer. But when it comes down to it, we love our Macs for how they work, not just how they look. And it’s exactly that standard that dampened our initial enthusiasm for Crosley’s Memory Master II, which packs a turntable, tape deck, AM/FM radio, iPod speaker, and CD burner into a sweet-looking retro package. Yes, it looks great -- but unfortunately, neither the build quality nor the functionality can justify the hefty price tag.

An iPod full of music is a wonderful thing…but the sound coming out of it might not be living up to its potential. SRS Labs is aiming to enhance your audio with the iWow 3D, a dongle that plugs into your device between the dock connector and your favorite headphones. It promises better listening through circuitry, including a wider, more immersive soundstage. And it delivers…sometimes.