That setup will sound a lot better and get a lot louder. I have been using this setup (minus that particular speaker wire) for about a month now and love it. It's around $135 before tax. If you just want some plug and play speakers around that price range look up the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 or Logitech Z623.
You wouldn't have to, you could put it under your desk or beside it or where ever. It really just depends on what you think sounds and/or works best in your particular situation.