Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker for MP3 Players (Silver)
by Altec Lansing Technologies
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Our Price: $69.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $23.99 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker for MP3 Players (Silver)
Customer Review: Excellent value and quality for the size
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite its limitations, this IS one of the best audio products I've ever bought (of course, it doesn't come close to a component audio system, but who would make such an unfair comparison?).
The speaker is VERY loud, filling an entire big room with sound - unless there is something wrong with your sound source. The design is ingenious in its minimalism - it is shaped like a speaker driver that it is, which makes perfect sense. It is definitely much better in sound quality and loudness than any laptop speakers, and better even than some bigger computer speaker systems (in particular, provides enough low frequency extension without the boomy distorted annoying pseudo-base you hear even in more expensive systems)
PROS: very loud, great sound quality for the size, both on rock and "acoustic"-type material. You can enjoy listening to it for hours: sound distortions don't stand out like with other small speakers. Batteries (3xAAA) last a long time. Extremely convenient and light-weight.
CONS: no AC power option (but no need for it). Would be great if there was an option to connect a second identical speaker to get a stereo sound. Sounds somewhat harsh in upper midrange, but this isn't bothersome, and the sound is not fatiguing. Not so great instrument separation with classical music, but one can't expect more from a small mono speaker driver.
Customer Review: Exactly what I expected!
Summary: 5 Stars
Even after reading the positive reviews, I was skeptical as to whether this speaker would fit my needs. I needed to use this for an outdoor tabling event where there were no electric outlets nearby. There would also be other tables around, so it would result in a loud atmosphere. I needed the speaker to play loud enough so that people in the area could hear the music over the multitude of conversations.
I am happy to say that this speaker fit all of my expectations, and even more! It's compact, battery-powered, plugs into mp3 players/computers, and plays clear audio.
It's surprisingly loud and clear for such a small speaker. There's very little static or background noise. I'm no sound expert, but this speaker covers the ranges pretty well. I can hear the high-pitches and bass very well.
I was expecting it to be a bit larger, about the size of a good-sized bagel. But it turns out it's about half that size, about muffin size. Which is great, because it's easier to carry around now.
The only downside is that the 3.5mm audio input is fairly short, about 8.5 inches. It would be nice if the cable were a bit longer.
I definitely recommend this for anyone who is in need of a speaker without an outlet in the area. It's a great product!
Customer Review: Surprisingly effective
Summary: 5 Stars
I just love this little speaker! Being a portable speaker, I wasn't expecting much but the sound is surprisingly good. I use in the shower (not under it :), the car, the balcony, the office. A few days ago, I and a bunch of friends ended up dancing around it, placed on the floor! I couldn't believe it!
The carrying case is a definite bonus, both aesthetically and functionally. The LED signaling whether it's on or off is very useful since saving batteries is a necessity. Of course, I use and recommend rechargeable batteries. I'm even considering carrying spares.
5 Stars it deserves, but of course there's room for improvement. First, the cover; very hard to twist back on since it only accepts one given position. I noticed the USB version (not interested) has a metal clip to make it stand at ana angle - I'd love that. An option to power it with AC would be nice, but then again it goes against its portability.
One last comment: The instructions mention going at most 80% volume on the device but it's impossible not to get carried away sometimes and raise to the maximum. Not a problem, at least with my Fuze (which I also love), though I'm hoping there's some circuitry that avoids damage to the speaker.
Ah, great price!
Customer Review: Big Sound
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not an audiophile by any means, war and motorcycling takes a toll on ones ears but they work pretty good. I got this because the ones in my laptop come from the same folks and sound very good. I had read the reviews and the problems with the chord and the battery case not closing properly. I will admit the chord does look somewhat fragile. However the battery case lid and compartment are secure and solid. I use rechargeable batteries, and am a stickler for watching which ones go low and check each one to see and it invariably involves just one battery when the red light comes on. So if you replace all the batteries you are wasting money. Just replace the low one, usually the one in the center for this device. I placed a mark where the cover turns counter clockwise and stops and the chord slot lines up. No problem with the cover any more. I must say when I 1st heard the thing I looked around the room to see where the sound was coming from. It covered the whole room. No matter where you are you get the same great sound. Sound Quality is superb for this small item. I have portable radios that don't touch this and they sound better when I hook them up to this speaker. I don't do loud but this thing acts like a slight amplifier. Sounds terrific!Customer Review: Perfect for what I wanted--the Altec portable speaker
Summary: 5 Stars
After careful research both here at Amazon, at the Altec site, at Best Buy, and several other similar sites, I decided to buy this speaker. I have an MP3 player and a laptop which I didn't always want to be tethered to when I wanted to listen to books, music, podcasts etc. I needed something small for travel, but loud enough to be heard in my car, or a motel room, even outdoors. This little jewel of a speaker fits the bill nicely. Its loud enough to be heard in any room and even in a noisy car. I didn't want to spend $50 or more for something to listen to my MP3 in the car. I was worried this speaker wouldn't' have enough umph, but it works just fine. My wife and I carried it around on a cold winter day in late December when we were planting small trees. It was around Xmas time and we listened to the XMAS season songs I had on the Sansaclip. Even in the wind and cold, we heard the music just fine, though we did have to carry it around with us to the various spots where we planted the seedlings. It also works just fine with my laptop and belts out the music, lectures, audio books and podcasts just fine. I am very happy with it. I told a friend who also has a Sansaclip to listen to audio books, he bought one and loves it as well.