Volume Control:

 An interesting feature they included on the SoundSticks II is the Capacitance Volume Control buttons.

 By definition they are not actually buttons because you don't "push" them, you just gently touch them and they are activated.

Capacitance activation, just like on that old touch Lamp your mom has.

 I will refrain from explaining how touch sensors and capacitance sensors work but if you wish to learn take a look HERE.

 Capacitance volume control is a neat feature but it is not any easier then turning a Knob, plus you cannot tell at what level the volume is. If you listen to music at a loud level a lot, you will often turn on your computer to an extra loud windows start up sound. BA DINNGG DINGG DOONGG!

Lack of Jacks:

 The SoundSticks II system does not include headphone or microphone jacks. This is not too troubling as a majority of computer cases have front audio jacks now.

Audio Quality:

 The design may be pretty, but unpractical in some ways. That is okay though, because the audio quality is simply amazing. You would not imagine that sound that crisp and loud could come out of the tiny speakers on the satellites.

 I tested the SoundSticks II with over 80 MP3s ranging from Mozart to Eminem to Irish Folk music. All of them sounded perfect, you can hear every twang, bonk and twink of the musical instruments. The depth it adds to the sound is awesome.

 I also tested the SoundSticks II with several games including Call of Duty which is known for its realistic and quality SFX. The audio effects in COD were also better than I expected, every ricochet, rifle report, cannon blast and accompanying yells and screams sounded equally amazing.

 The only complaint I have with the audio is that the 20-watt subwoofer can not produce as much bass as some would like. Depending on the audio source and the type of bass it can do quite well. For constant rumbling sound effects or RAP music though I would suggest a more bass heavy system.

 Never the less at a normal level of bass, it is quite deep and adds just the right amount of bass to the satellites Highs and Mids.

Conclusion:

 Overall the SoundSticks II 2.1 setup is a unique and exceptional product. The transparent design and features such as the capacitance volume control make it a nice show piece. The sound quality is nothing short of VERY HIGH quality, with the bass still being high quality but not capable of extremely high volume.

 Lack of Headphone or Mic jacks and the system being prone to smudges and scratches does take away some points but not if you are looking for a Unique look with High quality sound. I would recommend these for a music lover, mac lover, or someone who loves unique computer peripherals.

PROS

• Beautiful transparent Design

• High quality sounds in all ranges

• Sturdy, Clean Harman Kardon quality construction

• Unique Capacitance Volume Control

CONS

• Lack of visual identifier for level of volume
• Easy to put smudges on the surface of speakers, Scratches
  and chips would show up easy
• Bass cannot go as high as some would like

SCORES:

Design Quality:   4
Style:                  5
Performance:      4

Price:                  4