Last Sunday, my computer’s external speaker made a loud pop and died. That’s the third electronic device to break down on me in just a few days. I’m telling myself to take it as a sign that losing a bit of money is warding off worse luck.

Instead of buying a replacement speaker of a similar size, I paired up two tiny iPhone Bluetooth speakers I already had to do the job. Once connected, they even automatically set themselves up as a stereo pair.

Since my desk is built into a solid-steel storage rack, the two speakers are attached magnetically to the posts on either side. I can freely move them up or down as needed.

Aside from the bass being weaker than my previous speaker (which is normal given their size), the overall performance is satisfying.

Best of all, they are inexpensive — only about $8 each.