What Women Want for Mother's Day
cambridgesoundworks.com's "Ask Kate" Provides Tips on Buying Audio Products for Women this Mother's Day and Beyond

ANDOVER, MA - April 16, 2002 - When it comes to buying home audio products, women are looking for specific features, says Cambridge SoundWorks' audio expert, Kate Connors. Also known as "Ask Kate," Connors hosts an FAQ column on Cambridge SoundWorks' Web site, cambridgesoundworks.com. See http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com. Cambridge SoundWorks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd (Nasdaq: CREAF).

"First and foremost, women want good sound but they want it to come from an audio system that won't take a weekend to set-up," says Connors. "They're also interested in products that look good and will fit into the décor of a room. However, they are not willing to sacrifice good sound for simplicity and good looks."

Connors offers some key guidelines on selecting audio components for women.

• Easy to use. "Women are practical in the use of electronics," says Connors. She notes that most women do not see consumer electronics as a hobbyist activity, but rather look at products to serve a direct purpose. "Women don't want to take a class to learn how to use equipment, but would prefer have products laid out in a fashion that makes sense."
• Easy to set up. Connors notes that all-in-one sound systems, like the Cambridge SoundWorks Model 88®CD, appeal to many women. These "plug and play" devices require no set-up, such as wire placement, or installation by experts. "The Model 88CD appeals to many women because it sounds like a full blown component stereo system, but is actually a tabletop radio and CD player that requires no set-up," says Connors. The Model 88CD has a 3-speaker system (including a built-in subwoofer) that creates room-filling sound like a component stereo system.
• Easy on the eyes. Women are very concerned with aesthetics when it comes to buying home audio, which for the most part fits the traditional stereotype. "Women want components that look nice and are reasonable in size," says Connors. "We especially don't want wires running all over the room and up the walls." Connors adds that when purchasing any electronic for the home, factor in how the product will blend into the décor of a room.
• Good sound. Connors stresses that although a product's appearance is essential, women still do not want to sacrifice the quality of the sound. "Although women don't seek products that shake the walls or belt out 'thunderous bass', they also don't want to sacrifice sound quality over form and function."

For additional advice on audio/video products, visit www.cambridgesoundworks.com or call 800-FOR-HIFI to speak with an expert.

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Editors Note: Audio/Video experts available to discuss gift ideas for Mother's Day.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Maria Cataldo Cambridge SoundWorks 978-623-4400 x272 mcataldo@cambridgesoundworks.com