DCulberson, these are good points, especially where Joel's Macbook Pro LCD screen is concerned. Maybe someone else with other types of screen(s) might find the info useful. Is there another reason why manufacturers now sometimes provide shielding, or is it just for marketing purposes?

Just to clarify, so we don't confuse visual monitors with audio ones, I meant to say: the magnets in the speakers are very powerful and can permanently damage your computer screen if too close. Nuf said.

Nothing beats the sound reproduction of the actual recording, especially when you can position your head directly in the sweet spot and get a true stereo effect without headphones on.

It is also important to remember that the large magnets in these speakers can damage computers, especially the monitors, if placed too close. Some manufacturers have taken this likely proximity into consideration in recent production, integrating an insulating layer around the magnets to reduce the effects of use within normal close range.

I'm not sure if the Yamahas your Dad bought you will have this feature (it's likely), but it's worth checking as you set up you desk.