Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod (Black)
by Altec Lansing Technologies
|
List Price: Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod (Black)
Customer Review: 4 stars for the first 2 months, but beware!
Summary: 2 Stars
In a list of Amazon's best-selling iPod speaker docks, the IM600 is listed first, followed by the less expensive iRhythms (from Cyber Acoustics) and Athena iVoice. I was initially impressed by the IM600's ability to play several different iPods, as Altec's website claims it will do. However, when I installed a Touch 2nd gen, it gave me a "will not charge this device" warning. Moreover, it soon stopped playing any iPod! In the instructions, the 16th troubleshooting symptom is "erratic or irresponsible behavior." Altec's suggested fix is to "disconnect the rechargeable battery per instructions in the Power Section." The full extent of the instructions in the Power section is: "Remove the rechargeable battery compartment cover by removing the 2 screws." The screws are tiny, easily missed, and deserve fuller explanation and illustration. In any case, the fix restored iPod Mode to operability (but for how long?). Moreover, Altec's failure to label each of the adapter/inserts for its intended iPod model (the only iPod speaker-dock I've seen that doesn't do so) required more trial and error experimentation (the inserts are so similar it's impossible to be certain that you've selected the right one).
If you can do without a radio (and the Altec's FM sensitivity, even with the rod antenna, is pretty weak), your better bet is the highly portable and dependable iRhythms (for under 40 bucks and with audio that's competitive) and/or the Athena iVoice (not portable, but it sounds twice as good as the Altec--and it charges the new Touch.) Altec's service and attention to detail both leave much to be desired. In fact, I'd have to rate the JBL Micro above it after my recent experience.]
Original review:
As a recent collector-hobbyist in the fascinating world of miniature audio reproduction, I simply had to get my hands on the unit which, in terms of consumer popularity and critical acclaim, is the reigning champion: the Altec Lansing IM600 system. As the rating of 4 stars may reflect, my experience is one of slight anticlimax if not mild disappointment.
Had I not picked up an Athena iVoice (currently in short supply, possibly no longer in production), I have little doubt that the rating for the Altec would be five stars. The Athena, described by one professional reviewer as a poor man's version of the Bose Sound Dock, may in fact be better. What is most striking about the Athena--and this is not so much a subjective impression as an irrefutable acoustic "fact"--is its fullness and solid, "substantial" bass. I'm far less bass-conscious than most of today's younger listeners, but when a recording features skillful reproduction of an acoustic double bass played by a master musician, I want to hear it. The Athena picks up the entire unwieldy instrument and transports it to the listener's acoustic space; by contrast, the instrument practically vanishes in the Altec's much more restrictive sonic field. (For an even more convincing demonstration, try the comparison using a well-recorded Hammond B3 organ.)
Now for the bright side. The Altec has brilliant treble, reproducing with verisimilitude the sonorities of a grand piano's upper register as well as a percussionist's entire kit--crash cymbal, ride cymbal, hi-hat, snares, brush work--it's all easily picked out by the attentive listener. The Altec also has a more fully-functioned remote than the Athena. Moreover, the sound expander (SFX) makes a more striking difference on this system than is usually the case, not merely dispersing the sound but exposing and highlighting individual instruments in the mix--no doubt the effect is sufficiently stunning to cause some listeners to forgive, or overlook, the deficiencies in the bass frequencies. (It's with a bit of incredulity each time when I look up to trace the panoramic sound source and see nothing larger than a small rectangular purse.)
The FM radio reception is adequate but not remarkable. Even with the antenna fully extended I'm getting static and air "noise" on stations that my Tivoli Model One pulls in non-problematically with its little pigtail. The alarm will not satisfy those looking for a system with ramping, two-alarm, multiple-schedule possibilities. It works in tandem with the iPod's alarm system to get the job done. The power adapter is of moderate size and weight (the Athena follows the commendable practice of eliminating the wall wart altogether, incorporating it inside the speaker cabinet). A rechargeable battery is frequently omitted on a unit with this much power; Altec's inclusion of it optimizes the practicality of the unit's compact size and light weight. Altec has also thoughtfully(?) provided an extra out jack, should you wish to boost the bass by purchasing an optional sub-woofer from Altec (Tivoli does the same, and I for one refuse to take the bait). The instructions are small in print size and sparse in explanation. (Take your time with things like selecting the right adapter for your iPod and installing the CR remote battery correctly, because some of these plastic pieces are fragile and easily cracked.)
In sum, the Altec Lansing reminds me of the treblish James B. Lansing (JBL) systems. And even though it doesn't "reconstruct" the sound of a bass, it has none of the distortion that I've occasionally heard from smaller speakers, such as the JBL Micro. If I were spending a week in a cabin with an iPod, my preference would be a collection consisting of an Athena iVoice (for vitamin-fortified, full-frequencied sound); a Tivoli iPal (for its expertly-tuned sound and unequaled FM reception); a JBL On Stage Micro or Cyber Acoustics 421 (for carrying the music into the neighbor's cabin or on a fishing expedition); a Saitek-100 Portable System (for sticking in my pocket while hiking). If packing all four would seem extravagant, there's option #5: the Altec IM600, which is versatile yet highly competent in all that it does. That virtuosity, plus its current price on Amazon, makes more than understandable its present position as the people's choice. As a special bonus, the Altec IM600 is the first dock connector I've tried (after 5-6 others) that would charge my 5-year-old 10 gig Ipod, which is not supposed to work with a dock connector.
Customer Review: Altec Lansing Im600
Summary: 5 Stars
The following is the result of more research than a sane person would do for a trivial purchase.
IPod dock speaker products range in price from $40 to $300 with the Bose at the top end of scale. Starting from the top, I would not pay $300 for a small single purpose device just to play the music from my IPOD. If price is no object the Wave Radio with using the aux input jack makes more sense. It is almost as portable, superb sound, great radio, etc.. you get the point. What the Bose does have going for it is great sound, AC/DC capability, the Bose remote which is RF rather than IR so it has a long range. It is a premium product at a premium price.
Deciding that price was a consideration I then made a list of almost every product that is on the market, comparing features, form factor, sound and reliability reviews. I then went and visited a variety of retailers to look at the products, hands on.
On the lower end of the price scale is IHOME, Coby, Memorex and the list of usual suspects. All played the tunes off the IPOD, the IHOMES attractive many models double as a clock radio perfect for your night stand so a multi purpose device. The compromise on these is music punch. Think of these as the ear buds that come with your Ipod, they do the job but just not at the same quality as the slightly more expensive models out there.
The middle of the pack is quite large and all do a very good to excellent job of pumping out your tunes. JBL,Kiplich, Altec Lancing, Griffin ICurve, Phillips, Apple Sound Box, InMotion and Sony. IMO all are very good products at prices that do not scream, I paid how much for this to do what? There are several different models offered by each of these manufactures, distinguished in some cases by color and other bells and whistles
The real difference in these products in the middle of the pack are some minor features, form factor and price. The reviews will talk about the difference in base and the range of sound but folks, these are all small systems and expecting the same quality of sound that you will get from systems 3 times the size or price is unrealistic. Putting things in perspective you are paying somewhere between $80 and $150, so you should have realistic expectations.
In some cases it was difficult to distinguish a difference, I took my own Ipod with me so I removed that as a variable. At that listening to some of these in a large retail store was a factor and at that I was surprised at how good all of them sounded. The Griffin was a big surprise on the build quality and sound, and if you don't mind giving up some of the portability aspects a product worthy of strong consideration.
The flying saucer design of the JBL worked great, sounded great but just did not grab me. When it comes to style that is a personal choice, sort of like blondes, burnets or red heads.
I narrowed down my choice to the Kiplch and the Altec Lancing and chose the IM600 based on sound quality, portability features and form factor. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Kplich but at the last minute there was a large price drop of the Altec Lancing, hey what can I say.
The Altec Lansing does have a quirk that should be noted. It will not charge the 4G Nano while docked a design change that will incorporated in their latest product release. The clock on the IM600 works great but if you are looking to use this as an alarm clock you need to use the setting for that directly on your Ipod. The FM turner works surprising well but not a bid deal. If you want music you have your Ipod (duh) and if you get your news from the radio, you have my sympathy.
The Altec is small and hard to believe you get more than an acceptable level of sound out of this, but you do. The ability to pick this unit up and have in run on its own battery is a real plus, more so than I thought. Usually I would just plug in the ear buds to the IPod and be happy, now when working in the garage or elsewhere, it's like having a portable boom box, albeit smaller with a tad less boom but nevertheless great sound.
The remote control tucks away in the back of the unit but I only used it once it works is all I can say.
All this research and words for something that cost me $80 (on sale down from $140) is excessive but I hate having buyers regret for anything that I could have avoided by doing the research.
Hope this helps someone.
Customer Review: Plasticky little thing...
Summary: 3 Stars
Note: Video output may not work with iPod classic 6th Generation.
The Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 is a handy speaker system with an FM Radio and Aux. Input, so you can have it play whatever you want: either your iPod (it plays my iPod classic 80GB), your favorite radio stations (4 presets) or sound coming from your PC or any other player, via a miniplug cable connected to the Aux. Input (cable not included).
Add to that the rechargeable battery (that lasts up to seven hours) and you have yourself a replacement for your old cd-boombox to take to poolside or just outside.
The design is quite moveable too, measuring aprox. 11.5 x 5 inches and sporting a foldable base. I have transported it in the laptop carrying case, together with the laptop.
The included remote control comes in handy too.
The iM600 also charges your iPod in two ways:
a) when the iM600 is connected to an electrical outlet (it does NOT charge your iPod when it's running in batteries) and
b) when you have the USB connected to your computer (even when the iM600 is running on batteries. Of course, the power comes through the USB connection from your computer).
The USB (type B) connection (cable not included) allows you to synchronize the iPod with a computer loaded with iTunes (works on iPod classic 80GB).
Finally, you have a subwoofer miniplug output and a video output.
It is a great concept, with some limitations:
1. Underpowered. I mainly use it in my office as the speaker system for my laptop. I just used it for our Christmas celebration at the office and even at top volume, it couldn't be heard 6 or 7 meters away. But it's better than the laptop speakers or the stereo speakers that came with my home PC.
2. Flimsy foldable base. The base folds to cover all the input/output connectors in the back (which also cleveryly holds the remote) AND the power switch and volume buttons on the front, which protects them.
When open, the base holds the unit in place, but only through a spring mechanism that doesn't lock open, and some pressure could cause the base to fold in. It also looks rather delicate.
3. Closing the base covers the connectors and also turns the unit off. So when the base is closed you can't charge the batteries or listen to the radio. Thus, the iM600 is more "moveable" than portable: it works only when open and you really want to place it on a flat stable surface and not to carry it around while listening to your iPod. It feels very delicate when you move it while holding the iPod.
4. The shiny plastic it's made of tends to scratch rather easily. This adds to the "don't move much or transport" aura.
5. Of course, if you want to carry it constantly with you, you need to carry the power adapter (no, it's not just a power cord) and you may need to carry a couple of cables. While carrying it, you will want to keep the power adapter separate from the unit, so as not to scrath the plastic. A travel case would certainly help... but then you'd be accessorizing your accessory (by the way, Bose sells a travel case for Bose's Soundock system).
5. If you want better bass, you need an optional subwoofer. (When connecting the subwoofer or anything to the sub-out, the iM600 will redirect bass to that device and stop producing it via it's speakers)
6. Finally: It plays music from my iPod 80GB (6th Generation), the unit's controls do work with this iPod, the remote control works fine and the data connection works. BUT the video out feature does not work with my iPod. I am dissapointed. I don't have another iPod model to try, but then I think this system was designed prior to the 6G iPod.
I'm satisfied with the iM600, but ease of transportation, durability and the video not working are issues for me, especially for an above $100 product.
Customer Review: Just about perfect for my needs
Summary: 4 Stars
I was looking for a portable speaker system that was light weight, had good sound quality, didn't distort at high volumes, and had its own power system. After lots of looking around, I chose the IM600, and I'm really happy with it.
Here's what I really like about it...
· The sound quality is great. I'm not an audiophile so I admit I am not so critical of sound quality, but I do know that it has nice deep bass and crisp treble. Also, I can fill a room with sound at high volume and there is no distortion. You won't get that tinny sound of cheaper systems.
· The size of this product is perfect. You can easily throw this in a bag or suitcase and you have a great travelling sound system. You don't have to compromise sound quality for portability.
· The battery gives me the option of not having to lug around an extension cord or find an outlet every time I want to use the product. That is a great option. I can get at least 3 hours on battery power (haven't yet tested just how long it will last on a charge), and that is enough for my needs.
· The docking port and stand fold up and out of the way so it makes it much easier to put in a bag or suitcase.
· I can sync my iPod through the system and also keep my iPod charged. That is convenient.
· There is a convenient, recessed area to store the remote control, so you don't lose it. And you don't want to lose it or you'll not be able to select preset stations.
· Although I haven't used it yet, the IM600 allows me to connect to a TV (by using a special cable) and play video podcasts on the TV. Nice.
Here's what disappointed...
· I own an iPod 3G Nano. These smaller iPods have been on the market for months, yet the IM600 does not come with the docking insert for the 3G Nano. Although this is not a major problem since you can still use the 3G without the insert and it seems pretty stable, I think that the insert should be included.
· I'm a bit concerned that the plastic fold out parts (the stand and the docking insert) may break unless I'm really careful. The plastic stand must support the weight of the product but the plastic doesn't look all that sturdy to me. And my experience with fold out parts made of plastic is that they break rather quickly. Looks like I'll have to be pretty careful with this product to make sure I don't stress the plastic parts.
· The first remote control I got didn't work. I had to take it back to the store for replacement (which they did immediately). The remote is important because if you use the FM radio, you can't select preset radio stations without it.
· FM reception seems OK, but this isn't important to me anyway since I listen almost exclusively to podcasts or music.
* There is no integral alarm, so you'll have to use your iPod's alarm.
I listened to several other systems in the store and just didn't hear such a great difference in sound quality between the IM600 and the much more expensive Bose Sound Dock or the Klipsch speakers. So with the IM600 I get a less expensive system with great sound quality that is very portable. Despite the minor disappointments, this product is almost perfect for my needs.
Customer Review: Iphone 3G DOES play on this and YOU CAN charge it INDIRECTLY while it's playing.
Summary: 4 Stars
Received this as a Christmas present.It was known that I wanted portable speakers for my nano and my iphone- something I could easily move to the shower, to the deck, the kitchen, the beach or for travel without too much effort. I am an audiophile and yes, my first set of speakers were Bose, purchased in 1993 when I graduated from college- I still have them, and they are still awesome.
To avoid being redundant I will be brief:
1. sound quality is great; it is not quite as good as the Bose sounddock- but that's not great either, and not worth the extra money.If any of these companies comes up with something that produces better sound, believe you me I will pay $500 or more if it seems to be worth it.
2. Use the ipod equalizer (at times with or without SFX) to find out what suits you (or the songs you play). It's a little annoying to have to fiddle with it so much- but I find that the treble reducer with SFX on produces reasonable sound at higher volumes, and at lower volumes the electronica, jazz and lounge settings (with or without sfx) provide the most clarity for the music I play (fairly diverse- rock, pop, classical, r and b, electronica, house). I also followed one of the other reviewers suggestions and placed an elastic band around my iphone to reduce vibrations yielded from it resting against the speaker.
3. I have the Iphone 3G, purchased about 2 months ago. It DOES work with these speakers and WILL play your music when placed on the dock. It will NOT charge automatically; however, if you feel it is important to charge your Iphone 3G while it is docked, you can do this one of two INDIRECT ways--- you will need:
(a) an electrical outlet fairly close by OR your computer, and
(b) a USB cable- not included with the set but easily obtained at an electronics store (eg Radioshack)-- or you may actually have one--IF YOU HAVE A GPS system, you may have one already. I used the cable that came with my Garmin Nuvi GPS for syncing and updating the GPS with the computer.
a. Plug cable into USB port on the altec and the other end into port on computer and voila! Not only will your iphone begin to charge, but it will also sync with the computer and so you can download new music from itunes or wherever while your iphone is on the dock (note there will be a brief pause in music playing while the phone is syncing- you can deselect or cancel syncing if you prefer not to have your music interrupted).
b. Plug cable into USB port on the altec and the other end into the little white adaptor that came with the iphone or itouch- the one that you plug the white cable that came with the itouch/iphone into and then plug directly into an electrical outlet. Yes it fits! Now plug that directly into your electrical outlet (or power strip/supply/surge protector). And voila! Your iphone/itouch will charge, while docked and playing music!
Try it-- it's your only option for now.