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Altec Lansing inMotion iM500 Speaker System for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Black) by Altec Lansing Technologies
List Price: $99.95Our Price: $19.99You Save: $79.96 (80%)Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Network Media Player See more product details
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Altec Lansing Technologies Brand: Altec Lansing Edition: Electronics Audio: English (Original Language) Model: IM500 Publisher: Altec Lansing Technologies Studio: Altec Lansing Technologies Music Label: Altec Lansing Technologies Product features: - Lightweight speaker system with built-in speaker dock for iPod nano 1G, 2G
- Syncs iPod with PC via mini USB 2.0 connection; also charges iPod
- Folds into compact footprint for transporting in backpack or briefcase
- Powered by AC adapter (included) or 6 AAA batteries (not included)
- Measures 8.5 x 5 x 0.7 inches (W x H x D)
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing inMotion iM500 Speaker System for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Black)Customer Review: Decent sound but no iPod alarm clock functionality & unsatisfactory customer service Summary: 2 Stars
The sound quality from this unit is quite good for its size. The slim profile surprises many people who see it and hear it. Unfortunately, this product does not meet my needs and I have been frustrated by Altec Lansing's customer support, which is the reason for the poor star rating.
When I purchased this item (from a bricks-and-mortar store) it was as a present. Upon opening the box, my friend discovered that the flip-down dock would not flip-down because the latch was broken. Rather than returning the item immediately to the store I decided to do the "right thing" (actually the wrong thing) and deal directly with Altec Lansing. Several weeks of nonsense later I finally had a working unit. This was now about 5-6 weeks after purchasing the dock. How long does it take to replace a non-functioning product anyway?
The primary use for this product is as speakers for an iPod which acts as an alarm clock in the morning -- unfortunately, even when on AC power this dock will shut itself off a few minutes after music stops (for example, when I go to sleep at night), thus rendering it useless for its primary purpose. In the morning my iPod will turn on and try to start playing music... through speakers that have thoughtfully turned themselves off hours before.
The customer support person I spoke with was even confused as to what I meant by an "alarm clock for my iPod", so I explained the alarm feature of the iPod to them. This is a bad sign when customer support doesn't even understand iPods when you're asking about an iPod dock. The intent of the auto shut-down feature is to save battery power, but it has the side effect of not providing the functionality that drove my purchasing decision. By the time I was able to actually use the dock and determine this inadequacy, it was too late to return it to the store (on account of the 4-5+ week turnaround on replacing my non-functional dock). Thus I am stuck with a dock that sounds fine for the few times that I actually use it, but which is completely worthless for the 99.9% of instances when I'd really like it -- in the morning when I'm asleep. (And, of course, when I say "I" it refers to the giftee, which makes me feel even more irritated.)
Altec Lansing customer support was unable to help me with the return now that they had caused so many weeks of delay in replacing the unit. A customer support supervisor did not return my call. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any more Altec Lansing products in the future, and of course I was motivated enough to write this review.
So, if you don't have to deal with the company's tech support I'm sure that this is a fine product (assuming that you don't want to use it to wake you in the morning). It is very thin and nice looking, and would be easy to pack into a bag or suitcase when traveling... not that I have any use for speakers that can't wake me up when I'm on the road. The flip-down foot on my replacement unit has not caused any problems, but given that the initial problem was with the foot that might be a point of weakness too.
Description of Altec Lansing inMotion iM500 Speaker System for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Black)inMotion iM500 for iPod nano. Its compact, lightweight and super-thin just like your iPod nano. So you can take it with you... wherever. Amazon.com Product Description Made for sitting stylishly in your office or living room, the svelte inMotion IM500 speaker dock for iPod nano is also made for easy portability. Amazingly flat, the speakers panel folds flat onto the integrated iPod docking station to become just 0.7 inches thin (17mm) for easy transport. It also weighs just 12 ounces, and comes with its own protective carry pouch. Despite its size, the IM500 is no wilting flower thanks to its innovative speaker cone design and MaxxBass technology, which delivers deeper, richer, more natural bass frequencies. 
Amazingly thin and light (just 12 ounces) for easy portability. | The IM500 flips open to create a stand at the press of a button, revealing the back that includes a mini USB 2.0 connection for syncing your iPod to your PC, as well as a special 2.5mm auxillary line-in port for connecting other digital audio players (such as larger iPods) or portable CD players. (The IM500 comes with a 3.5mm adapter cable to accommodate players with connections of this size.) The front of the unit includes the iPod nano dock as well as a power button and volume up/down buttons. 
Sync your iPod to your PC while it sits in the dock, and connect other audio players via auxiliary port. | Plugged into a power source or roaming free on battery power, the iM500 gives you complete freedom using an efficient, compact class D amplifier for maximum power. When using the included AC power adapter, your iPod nano will automatically recharge when docked with the iM500. It's powered by 6 AAA batteries (not included), which provide up to 8 hours of battery life. If no audio is detected for about three minutes, the iM500 will automatically shut down. The broad-faced speaker cones provide a generous surface area that drive an impressively big sound from such a compact speaker system. The integrated MaxxBass technology isn't your standard bass boost feature. It uses a patented psychoacoustic algorithm that enable you to hear bass far below the physical limitation of the speakers by taking advantage of the latest research in how sound is perceived. With MaxxBass, you can hear frequencies up to 1.5 octaves below what is generated. iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G What's in the Box Altec Lansing IM500 speaker system, AC adapter, cable adapter for other MP3/CD players, protective carry pouch, printed user guide and Quick Connect instructions.
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