Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod (Black)
by Altec Lansing Technologies
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List Price: Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod (Black)
Customer Review: Superb Customer Service
Summary: 5 Stars
Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod (Black)]]
I use this device in our second home, a condo in Hawaii, where space is at a premium. It replaces a much larger stereo system in the guest bedroom. I like everything about it, sound, compact, rechargeable internal battery so I can take it to the beach to share music with friends. I use it for my sandisk mp3 players and even cd player and notebook computer(which has lousy speakers). The only thing missing is a subwoofer.
The best attribute, however, is customer service and that is why I rate 5 stars, and more if I could. Upon returning to our condo a month ago for the winter I couldn't find my power cord and gave Altec a call. I expected to buy a new one but they said they would send one. Not only did they send it immediately, they sent it by 2nd day air! I the past ten years I can only recall of one other instance of such exceptional and unexpected customer service. In most cases we have all gotten used to many minutes of waiting, finally being connected to a person who is difficult to understand and no help.
As an aside, I've had an Altec Lansing computer speaker system for over 10 years, model ACS45. I can't imagine a better computer speaker system. Sadly they are no longer made but may be available used at Amazon or ebay. It has compact desk top speakers and an incredible woofer. It also has an extra imput which can be used much like the device reviewed above. You do not have to have your computer on to use this extra input.
Altec has been the best name in speakers for over 50 years and I'm glad it has survived in it's recent reincarnation
Customer Review: Nearly perfect for me
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this so I could listen to music (from my iPod & iPhone) and the radio in the kitchen while eating breakfast or cooking dinner, and also have something to take to the garage or garden during weekend projects. This little box is nearly perfect for all these tasks.
The audio is very good -- not audiophile critical-listening quality, but no significantly noticeable harshness or boominess in the environments I describe. Everything I listen to -- NPR, modern rock, electronic, jazz, classical -- is pleasant to listen to. It can easily also play pretty loud -- enough to provide audible background music in a garden party with traffic noise nearby.
It has a nice slim front-to-back profile which makes it unobtrusive on kitchen counter. The FM reception seems perfectly normal.
The battery life is more than enough for a day out in the yard or the garage, but it's not really designed to be a multi-day portable device.
The only downsides I have found so far -- all minor -- are:
1. no AM reception -- would be nice for sports games. However there is an aux in, so I could just plug in a small AM radio.
2. can tune but can't select FM presets without the remote
3. no iPhone shielding. This system works really well with the iPhone even if you don't turn on airplane mode -- but you will of course get the GSM buzz.
There is also a possible downside that the internal battery is not user-replaceable -- but practically speaking I have not had any problem with this yet.
Customer Review: great product
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a Sansa 280 that I use with Jabra C820 noise canceling head phones---an amazing combination. But I got spoiled by this and started wearing the headphones all the time, which will start to grow moss inside your ears. So I went to Best Buy to Buy the Best speakers and saw the Altec-Lansing speakers there. But Best Buy didn't have any in stock, so I ordered from Amazon (ultimately Electronics Expo), where the price was much less. They came right away and I love them (I'm listening to Yo-yo Ma right now). I didn't expect much from the sound because the unit is so small and I am used to tinny sound from boom boxes, but the sound from these is precise, deep, and amazing for the small size of the unit.
The unit is very compact and looks very nice with the Sansa 280 plugged into it.
Finally, the built-in FM receiver is quite good---much better than the Sansa's because of the wire antenna everybody is complaining about. I don't complain---that's what top-end stereo receivers have and it works! Mountain climbers who insist on bringing it along to the summit can roll up the antenna and put a twist-tie on it. Most will use it in their office or bedroom and will be more than happy about the crisp FM sound.
One word of advice: I couldn't find the remote control unit and thought it was forgotten, but it's embedded in the bottom of one of the styro packing blocks.
Customer Review: GREAT Sound - Built in Battery - A Really Good Product
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased in September of '07 and have lived with (and enjoyed) it for about a year. I first bought this as a gift for our nanny to take back to college with her. I was so impressed with the size/sound that I had to have one. BTW, she said she loved it at school through last year also.
Pros: Incredible sound. Built in Lithium Ion battery (no more size "Ds" to buy & lug around). FM tuner is a very nice feature too.
Cons: None to speak of. A case would be nice, but I bought a nice, inexpensive case made for a portable DVD player that fits well & works like it was made for this.
This portable system is incredible. The sound defies its size, and it's head and shoulders above its competition (I owned 1 other). The closest in quality is the Klipsch, but this unit adds the fold-up feature, FM and a lithium ion battery (amazing how often this gets used away from the kitchen counter).
I've wondered why a couple of reviewers remark that the unit doesn't have AM (when no other unit has radio at all) or give it a lower score because it doesn't have a headphone jack (why would you dock your iPod in a speaker system only to plug in headphones? - NEWS FLASH - your iPod has a headphone jack).
Anywho, if you're in the market, go to Best Buy (or any other electronics store) and just listen. I think you'll see and hear why anyone that owns one raves.
Customer Review: Nice Little Stereo!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great little stereo for the size. The portability is convenient, just throw it in your bag or back-pack and go. So far I've taken it to work (now my co-workers want their own) and to the beach. The sound quality is great, not like my surround sound at home, but I wasn't expecting that anyway. Some louder rock songs with heavy drums can distort a little (hissy) if the volume is up too high, but other than that it has been a real treat to listen to. Gets me and the kids up and dancing! I tend to be overly picky and I can honestly say that this exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for decent quality boom-box this should fit the bill.
My Gen 3 iPod Nano fits into the holding slot just fine. I was a little wary about this due to previous reviews, however have not experienced any problems with connectivity or having to make size adjustments. When you want to go it folds up nicely and closes securely. I have had no worries about possible damage in transit. It travels well. As others have mentioned the remote is tiny. You may want to consider putting a little piece of Velcro on it and the stereo to secure it into place if losing the remote is an issue.
My only complaint is that the battery wore out quicker than I thought. I took it on vacation and forgot the AC adapter, so couldn't use it as much as I wanted. Other than that, I love it!