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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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker for MP3 Players (Silver)
Customer Review: The perfect portable
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want a great portable speaker, I think this is it. It's very easy to cary along anywhere. It doesn't have much bass (there is now way it could at this size), but it is VERY listenable. I think it will be perfect for taking out on the deck or patio. The volume is quite good. Easily fills any room. It is not going to make rock fans happy, but for jazz, classical or talk, it's perfect. I downgraded one star because the cord has a bit of a short in it at the plug - a loud crackle when I plug it in. I can fix it by cut/replace but they should have caught this at the factory. Still, I really like the little thing. It's good looking too.
Update 1.17.10 - After having used this for a couple weeks, I have to say I'm more impressed than I was initially. I love it for its portability and decent sound considering the package size. Somehow, the crackling issue has dissappeared so it's now 5 stars in my book. An excellent ipod/iphone companion. It seems to sound best on a hard surface. It's real nice for dinner music, setting it on the table. It sounds amazing in the bathroom due to the hard surfaces and small area. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this.
Customer Review: BIG sound....SMALL package...
Summary: 5 Stars
Size does NOT matter. In an effort to obtain some type of external and portable speaker system for the 3G iPhone, there are seemingly average options and an equal amount of less than avergae options.
The name Altec immediately jumped out as a contender here and I have to say, this thing is awesome! Right away, 3 AAA batteries as opposed to the 1 or 2 in other speakers lets you know that a bit more juice is flowing through the system. In addition, for one speaker to accomplish the range that this unit does is truly impressive.
My wife runs an outdoor sporting event league and needed something to put on the table next to the Bocce courts just to jazz up the air. Mission accomplished. Have not yet measured the battery life but I would anticipate that the volume level will have something to do with it. I am prepared for 3 to 5 hours at a decent volume.
Also, great little carrying case with a clip to hang it from your backpack, etc.
I normally do not review products but this was an exception due to the value for the money. I think I am going to order a 2nd one now becuase I know my wife will be possessive with hers!
Customer Review: Good, but easily made great.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a bad little speaker. It does however have a problem... it is a single speaker and thus it only produces sound in mono. This is EASILY fixed.
I bought two of these speakers. I then bought a cheap adapter cord to allow me to pair up the speakers for true stereo sound. The trick is to get the correct adapter cord with a standard male mini jack on one end, and then splitting into female left and right mono on the other end. Try doing a search for something like "3.5mm Stereo M to Dual 3.5mm Mono F Splitter." This allows me to use both speakers together for true left and right separated stereo sound. For the money, I have not come across anything that sounds as good.
Another benefit of using the adapter is that it extends the length of the speaker cords, allowing me to separate the speakers from each other.
I keep the adapter cable stored in one of the speaker cases, and then I clip the two cases together with the included carabiners. When circumstances require me to travel light, I can of course just pack one single speaker.
I believe this gives me the ultimate in flexibility.
Customer Review: Great sound punch in the palm of your hand.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Good:
* Virtually compatible for any MP3 Player/Phone: If it has a input for headphones, it will be compatible.
* Dramatically increases sound.
* Lots of power from a speaker that fits the palm of your hand.
* Cord Management underneath the base is nice.
* Free case, key chain and string are all included.
The Bad:
*Uses 3 AAA batteries to operate: If you use it a lot, get ready to spend on batteries. (Batteries not included either.)
The Bottom Line:
If you have a device that you would like to make more audible, you can't go wrong, especially for the price. However, depending on your usage, you will need batteries. The box claims that 3 batteries would last for up to 24 hours. Some reviewers complain about clarity, but do not let that fool you: Manual clearly states that the maximum sound level on your device that you should adjust should be no more than 80%. In other words, if you will put your device's volume to 100%, it will not be clear.
PS: This little guy was tested with a first generation iPhone.
Customer Review: Great portable sound
Summary: 5 Stars
Small, lightweight with great sound. I've used this speaker to listen to my MP3 player and my laptop and both sounded great. You have to be aware that the volume is controlled by the audio source (MP3 player, laptop in my case), so if the sound quality is distorted at high volume on your audio source then the speaker sound will be distorted, too. I advise you to set your audio source on half volume with the speaker connected, and increase it if necessary. The speaker will be louder and of much better sound quality than your audio source, but it will distort if your audio source is turned too high. Is it going to sound like a high quality sound system with a subwoofer? Uh no, but it's great to listen to your portable devices in a contained area like the same room, the next room, on a patio.
The design of the speaker is very well done with the connecting cable wrapping around the recessed bottom for easy storage. The included case is perfect for protecting the speaker. The only wish I have to improve on the speaker is to make the cable that connects the speaker to the audio source longer.