Speakers
I would like to start out by saying that I recommend a stereo system, since it will almost always produce a higher quality sound than any computer speaker system you can buy. If you're going to go with computer speakers, check out the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 for a fairly reasonable price considering the quality of sound that comes through those speakers. Their 4.1 and 5.1 systems are in a class above any other computer speaker as well, but that comes at a price.
The SoundSticks don't provide near the sound quality you should get at the price they sell for. Looking at them next to a Mac in the store, they weren't even easy on the eyes. The JBL "creature" speakers are smaler, and don't look bad at all. The sound is nice in the high and low ranges, but lack depth in the mid-range.
Have fun looking for your speakers.