Altec Lansing Music Speaker
by Altec Lansing Technologies
Our Price: $59.99
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Category: Network Media Player
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Altec Lansing TechnologiesBrand: Altec Lansing
Edition: Electronics
Audio: English (Original Language)
Model: iM 207
Color: White
Publisher: Altec Lansing Technologies
Studio: Altec Lansing Technologies
Music Label: Altec Lansing Technologies
Product features:
- Compatibility: all iPods, MP3 players, CD players, laptops
- Ultra-portable speaker produces full-bodied, 360-degree sound
- Long battery life provides up to 24 hours of play on 3 AAA batteries (not included)
- Smartly designed integrated cable management system; shock-resistant, rugged design that's perfect for travel
- Projects music in all directions for full stereo experience; special feature lets you direct music to single listener
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing Music Speaker
Customer Review: Altec Lansing iM207 - OK Sound, Poor Design, Disappointing Quality
Summary: 2 Stars
The Altec Lansing iM207 Orbit-MP3 for iPod and MP3 Players is probably only good enough to satisfy those who could be satisfied with even lesser solutions. The sound is OK, but the design and build could use a lot of improvements.
I have tons of MP3 players, speakers and sound equipment. I buy expensive and cheap units alike depending on the intended use. So when I saw this unit on sale, I snatched it up hoping to be able to use it for a small and cheap travel speaker for my MP3 players. I was not expecting audiophile quality sound out of it. I have several similar speakers, passive and powered, which I have acquired over the years. I knew that the prior model had some issues and figured that the iM207 should have fixed them. In any case, I expected them to at least be a slight improvement over what I already had.
Well, I was mistaken. Even my lowered expectations were not met. Some of the passive speakers I have used (meaning not powered by batteries) might give this guy a run for its money.
PROS:
+ Produces louder sound at high volume than most micro-sized speakers
+ Compact size for travel storage in your carry-on or backpack
+ Can be stood up on it's side to direct the sound
+ Includes a standard 3.5mm jack and a 2.5mm adapter plug
+ Maximum sound output is good considering the small size of the unit
+ Compatible with virtually all MP3 players, including most iPods, Zunes, Sansas, etc.
+ Register it within 30 days, and get an extra year on the limited warrantee (but you will probably need it!)
CONS:
- Every time you turn it on, you risk breaking it; the entire top is the on / off switch, and turning this thing on and off is VERY difficult
- The input jack is on a hard-wired cable; an extra jack and seperate cable would have cost an extra 0.35 cents
- The input cable is WAY TOO SHORT!
- No place to store the 2.5mm jack connector, so it can easily be lost
- No included case to protect the unit for storage or travel
- While the sound is loud, it's just OK in terms of seperation and quality
- Has the light feel of cheap construction
- The ON / OFF line is painted on; an LED might have been better
- Uses 3 AAA instead of 2 AA, which is less convenient
- Sucks up batteries
- The battery cover is also difficult to get off, and has only a small indented thumb tab for turning it open
- The list price is ridiculous given the quality of this item
- The included instructions hint that this speaker can be blown out by too much bass or volume, which does not instill confidence
Some of these cons have other consequences. For example, the fact that the cord is too short means that this mini speaker will not be a good solution for most laptops. Why? Because most laptops have the headphone jack in the front, which means that you will not be comfortable using the laptop while you use this speaker with it. I guess if you have a playlist set up for some hotel music, it might be OK. But for the multi-tasker, this is simply not good enough for laptop use.
Similarly, the short cable also makes it much easier to use with MP3 devices that have jacks on the top. Many newer MP3 players have jacks on the bottom, meaning that when you go to lift up the MP3 player to change the controls you have a limited amount of space before you pull the speaker.
If they would have included a jack on the speaker itself, any cable could have been substituted with a longer one. By saving the extra 0.35 cents in manufacturing cost for this part, they have guaranteed many more warrantee claims and decreased this product's usefulness.
In terms of turning this unit ON, they should have chosen a simple power switch. That would have been cheaper to include than an auto-on mechanism, and most likely would have been better than this *rotating top* design. It may be easy to ignore or downplay the importance of this. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. This is a serious drawback. Every time you turn the top, it sticks. When you finally exert enough force to turn it on, it feels like you're about to turn it past the breaking point. When you finally line up the black line with the green *ON* line, it will *click* into place. And yes, if you want to know that it is completely off, you will have to turn it back till it clicks and the red and black lines line-up.
The instructions include a warning to turn off the bass EQ on your MP3 player and make sure the volume is set to 85% power. These are clear indications that there is a risk of damaging this speaker with too much bass or volume. Considering the low level of power that comes out of most MP3 player headphone jacks, this might be the most telling thing about this item's construction. Don't try to find out what the *max volume* is on this guy. You may void your warrantee in the process.
That said, this speaker can certainly get *loud* relative to its compact size. If you're planning on entertaining a few people in your hotel room, this might be good enough. But if you are picky about sound, don't expect much. The monaural sound quality is just OK.
Relative to the cost of this item, I'm pretty disappointed. I would advise those whose needs are confined to their own listening to either step up if they are picky about sound quality or choose an inexpensive passive speaker instead to save a few dollars. As it stands, this unit does not seem to be worth the extra cost relative to the others I have, including several units that were free. Those with a larger budget may want to investigate the Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker for MP3 Players (Silver). Still better options like the Saitek My Spkr A-100 Personal Stereo Speaker are no longer readily available, so it's difficult to find alternatives in this price range. That may be the best thing this speaker has going for it.
For those who are very forgiving and have limited needs, this might be a 3 star item if you can get it at a steep discount. For me, it's just not enough to meet my needs. So I'm still looking for another alternative.
If you still choose these speakers, hopefully knowing these cons will prepare you for this unit's limitations.
Happy hunting.
Description of Altec Lansing Music Speaker
The ultra-portable iM207 Orbit by Altec Lansing lets you easily share your music with those around you. With a unique design that produces a full-bodied, 360-degree sound, you will hear the music loud and clear. And with a tiny footprint that easily fits in your purse or pocket, you can get the music started for an impromptu party at any time.
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 The unique round design offers a 360-degree sound. View larger. |
 Tipped on its edge, the speaker can be directed for personal listening. View larger. |
With just a quick look at the Orbit, you know you're in for something special. Its round form uses a cone design integrated with a custom Altec Lansing speaker to project full, distortion-free sound in every direction. All your friends will hear the music and wonder where the great sound is coming from. If you would like a more personal listening experience, just put the Orbit on its edge for a more focused and directed sound.
At just 3.5 inches in diameter and 1.6 inches tall, the Orbit will go wherever you go. Throw it in your pocket or purse and pull it out wherever you are: on a park bench, on the street corner, waiting for the bus. To turn it on, simply twist the entire speaker; this prevents it from accidentally turning on in your bag or pocket. And don't worry about damaging the Orbit; it's built to handle even the most reckless travelers.
A smartly designed integrated cable management lets you wrap the cable around the speaker and keeps the stereo mini-plug out of the way when not in use.
Outstanding Battery Life
You don't have to worry about battery life with the Orbit; with three AAA batteries, the Orbit will play for up to 24 continuous hours, more than enough to keep the party going all night long.
The Altec Lansing Orbit is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Orbit speaker (with 3.5-inch cable attached) and user's manual.
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