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,
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: Great for my iPod Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
I had been looking for a dock to go with my iPod Classic (120GB) and found Radio Shack is currently selling the earlier version Firewire-charging Altec IM600 for only $60 online, so this was pretty much a no-brainer. This unit has gotten a very good review on iLounge, so as long as it worked out of the box and sounded good, I'd be happy. Well, I am more than happy on both counts! Sound quality is very good with adequate bass, just don't expect rattling windows from a pair of 2" drivers. The FM (only) tuner works well, but isn't designed specifically for the US so it tunes in .1 MHz increments. Not too much of a hassle, and great if you'll be using it overseas. As a dock, the IM600 has a mini-USB port to sync the iPod with my MacBook Pro and charges the iPod when docked. Unlike the earliest version of the IM600, my unit did not include an RCA-type composite video output (a non-issue for me). Portable operation with the internal, rechargeable battery is a bonus and I really couldn't ask for much more.
If you're considering the IM600, just make sure you know the compatibility (or lack of) issues with some of the newer generation iPods (i.e. touch 2nd gen and nano 4th gen). Altec now has the IM600USB which covers those models.
Customer Review: Great Value
Summary: 4 Stars
I listened to several units and decided on the iM600 because I thought its overall value was tops - especially with Amazon's price. The unit sounds very good for its size. I think all things considered, there is a decent amount of bass on this unit considering its small size (I know some of the reviewers would disagree but you have to consider the size of this unit).
One issue I have found is the SFX mode offers stereo separation and on most recordings it sounds great - I have found that on at least one recording, the 's' sound comes out of the left side and the other vocals come out of the right - this is a little strange and I have only found this to be a problem with one of my recorded albums - it may be something I try to rip again to see if the problem persists on this particular recording.
My complaint with this unit is it follows the iPod trend to make the surfaces shiny black which also makes it susceptible to scratches - my wish is that they get away from this trend (including iPod) and AL should provide some sort of carrying/protective case as this is advertised as a portable unit.
If you don't want to spend a bunch of money and you are looking for good sound, this is your unit.
Customer Review: Not Compatible with the 5G Nano
Summary: 2 Stars
Note: the iM600 will not work with the 5G Nano (you'll get the "charging is not supported with this device" warning on the iPod's screen). This is because Apple quietly discontinued the support of 12V charging docks and other accessories in the 4G and 5G Nanos. You can get around this using another 3rd party device like the Scosche passPORT between the Nano's connector and the iM600's docking port, but it's annoying to have to shell out another [...] because Apple was too cheap to continue supporting older accessories (your paycheck's not big enough, eh Steve?).
Also, it's deceptive for Altec to continue advertising the iM600 Firewire as compatible with the newer Nanos. The iM600 USB model (also sold by Amazon) is compatible with newer Nanos, however.
Other than the caveat above, I've owned this dock for two years now and it done a serviceable job during that period. Build quality is iffy, however. I actually have two of these docks, one at home and one at work. When listening to the radio on the im600 at work, the sound will cut out for 2-3 minutes at a time whenever I move around my office. Might be a problem with the antenna, but it's disappointing to find such a fault in a [...] device.
Customer Review: Bargain Price for good, solid sound
Summary: 4 Stars
A fine, little unit, providing a good sound and mobility.
PRO's:
Good sound for such a little unit (!!)
Re-chargeable battery (worry free, charges up while connected to a plug)
Ease of use.
Remote control (with 4 pre-set Radio stations)
Great Price (Bose system does sound a little better, but cost A LOT more)
Verity of uses (IPOD, RADIO, AUX./IN)
Nice placement of the antenna
Folds up nicely to go in a suitcase
CONS:
Does NOT work with I-TOUCH 2nd Gen. - or with the IPHONE 3G.
IPOD connector could be more solid.
One does see EVERY scratch on the surface, and it does scratch super easily.
Radio reception is very poor.
Conclusion:
I bought this unit to play my Ipod "on the go" (Backyard, Garage...) without having to plug it to the wall.
This unit does it, and it does it well.
The sound is really good, and if you place it right, (with just the right distance to a solid wall) even the base is impressive.
I would buyAltec Lansing inMotion iM600 Portable Audio System for iPod (Black) it again.
Customer Review: Nice product, as advertised.
Summary: 4 Stars
I am quite happy with this Altec Lansing iPod player/radio. The product seems durable, produces good sound with a wide volume range, accommodates different size iPods with a nice set of plastic inserts, that are not cheesy but snap into the unit in a way that makes them seem integrated as original equipment. My iPod happens to be a nano, it is works well with the unit. Of course, the unit also charges your iPod (so long as you leave the Altec Lansing plugged into the wall). And, I had not realized this when I ordered, but the Altec-Lansing unit is portable.
My expectations about the radio, about its sensitivity & discrimination with respect to weaker stations, was not high. Because most radios I have purchased for use at home suffer from difficulties in that area (sometimes influenced by such things as sunspot activity or the nearby airport's radar/radio waves). And the Altec Lansing met my expectations in this area. It picks up stronger stations well & generates good sound. It doesn't pick up weaker stations very well. But since 90% of the reason I bought it was to broadcast from my iPod, that is not such a big loss. I would have given it a "5" had the radio been better.