Both. A lot of folks live in apartments, condos, dorms where the walls aren't good at sound insulation. Putting in your IEMs gives you better sound and isnot going to disturb anyone.
I live in a house with many rooms, and other people I am related to. If I want to listen to music or have a conversation, my selection of audio device is dependent on the time of my day and my consideration for other people, as well as the desired quality level.
I have a proper home theater system, but I wouldn't use it while my wife is taking a nap. I have a nice stereo setup in the living room, but I wouldn't use that while people are talking in the kitchen unless I just wanted some background music.
And I have both IEMs and over-the-ear headphones because wearing either for too long can make my ears unhappy, but in different ways.
To be honest I'm not sure what the parent comment was expecting, this is kind of a normal audiophile response. But it shows that the engineering that apple does with their speakers is not made for audiophiles, it wows people who are used to other laptops.
- Any number of excellent in-ear monitors under $100 - Truthear Zero ($50)
- Quite a few good-to-excellent headphones under $200, and under $50 if you can run a convolver equalizer for them - Superlux 668B ($35)
- Several excellent powered monitor speakers regularly on sale under $450/pair (JBL 305, 308, Kali LP8v2)
Laptop speakers are for getting your attention from across the room so you can plug in something appropriate.