I sometimes end up with videos on the MacBook Pro where the volume is just not loud enough even with every volume setting cranked to max.

Some applications like VLC and iTunes let one increase the volume to up to 400%, but I often play a streaming video where the volume cannot be increased.

The two apps I came across that boost volume for anything playing on the Mac is Boom and Hear.
Boom apparently phones home which I'm not crazy about, Hear seems to be a bit more appropriate for what I'm looking for.

Any practical experience and comments on either one of those?
Any other options?

I'm about to replace this MacBook pro with a MacBookAir 2011 running Lion, does that Mac/OS combination have the volume issue as well?
Onthe MacBook Pro I'm running OS 10.6.8, that portable is a 2.2 GHz 2007 unit.

No experience with either here, but you might want to have Little Snitch installed if you try Boom. Also available for download here:

Download Boom for Mac - Boost audio output for your entire system. MacUpdate.com (http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/36700/boom)

What about using some of the ultra compact USB powered speakers for not much more money than the software, and get better sound?

ie: USB Computer Speakers, USB Computer Speakerss, USP Powered Computer Speakers TigerDirect.ca (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=3354)

USB speakers like ^^ he suggested are probably your best bet. when all is said and done the cones on those little MBP speakers are always going to be lacking

I've been using Boom for a couple of years now and it provides much more volume on my MBP. I have no idea what you mean by it 'phoning home' though. I have zero issues with the $12 app.

I have no idea what you mean by it 'phoning home' though. I have zero issues with the $12 app.

That came from one of the reviews I read.
Some applications do need to connect from the Mac to the net, I use one to monitor ebay auctions and that application obviously has to query ebay every once in a while.

But why 'Boom' needs to connect to the net and send out a query is beyond me.

USB speakers may be an option - just more stuff to carry.

Are there not some keystrokes to increase the volume for VLC?
I used them once, but now I can't find them.
I thought it was the + key maybe in conjunction with the control or option key. It would bring the volume up to 400%

On the net it states to use the control key and the up arrow, but that does nothing.

That came from one of the reviews I read.
Some applications do need to connect from the Mac to the net, I use one to monitor ebay auctions and that application obviously has to query ebay every once in a while.

But why 'Boom' needs to connect to the net and send out a query is beyond me.

The auto update feature on mine is set to check for updates once a month. That is all I can imagine that it would require a connection to the net. Never found it to do so more often.

I have mine displayed in the menu and normally set very low as you can see below. It is too loud most of the time, but on occasion while out camping by ourselves, I do crank it up. ;)

I've been using Boom for a couple of years now and it provides much more volume on my MBP. I have no idea what you mean by it 'phoning home' though. I have zero issues with the $12 app.

For another "phone home" info link see:
I bought an app called Boom and every time I run it, a file named KISSMetrics.identity appears on my Library, file known to be associated with tools to track your computer... how do I block this crap? : applehelp (http://redd.it/uo6dn)


PS: I guess you purchased the family pack:
Family Pack
Valid for use on 5 MacsFull Price: $36.90 CAD
$13.71 CAD

rather than the single user $7.38 CAD price from the install purchase link:
Global Delight Online Store (http://tinyurl.com/7ox3rlc)

sudo rm -rf /