Altec Lansing's ultra-small, ultra-sleek portable speaker and charging system with built-in docking port for iPod lets you enjoy your digital music collection without earbuds. This versatile system also connects to other audio devices, including laptops and other MP3 players, with an auxiliary input jack and included 3.5mm stereo cable. A highly efficient Class D amplifier powers four full-range micro drivers to deliver excellent sound; MaxxBass technology booms the deep notes so there's no need for a separate subwoofer. Simple operation is as easy as placing your iPod into the dock or connecting it through the auxiliary port. The dock recharges your iPod, too. The inMotion iM3 comes with a remote control, a 3V lithium battery and a protective carry case. Measures 1" x 8" x 5 1/2" and weighs 15 oz. One-year warranty. No-hassle 2- or 3-year Product Replacement Guarantee available (see order form).
Taking its cue from the iPod itself, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM3 portable audio system packs a powerful collection of features into a compact, portable body. The system, which was designed exclusively for the iPod, is roughly the size of a paperback book, yet each of its sleek speakers delivers crystal-clear, vibrant sound, letting users share their iPod libraries at the park, in a hotel suite, or anyplace else where a set of headphones just won't do. An efficient Class D amplifier powers the four full-range 28 mm neodymium micro drivers, which provide impressively rich and clear high- and mid-range tones. Meanwhile, the system's MaxxBass technology boosts the bass with subwoofer-like results--a rare feature in such a small system. The iM3 also includes a built-in docking station that makes it easy to synchronize, recharge, and transfer data from your iPod while giving users convenient access to the click wheel. And when you're ready to hit the road, the docking station and stand fold up flat against the speakers to fit inside the included carrying bag. At a mere 8 by 5.5 by 1.1 inches (W x H x D), the system is perfect for the light traveler.
Listeners can operate the iM3 from a distance thanks to the included remote control, and should users get distracted for any length of time, the system shuts down automatically to conserve power. Additional features include a secondary input jack for connecting to other audio devices, such as laptops, older iPods, or other MP3 players (cable included), and an extra-long battery life (24 hours of continuous playback with four AA batteries). If you want to enjoy great sound everywhere you go while still preserving the portable convenience of the iPod, the iM3 is an ideal choice. Just listen.
What's in the Box
inMotion iM3 audio system, wireless remote control, iPod mini adapter, carrying bag, audio cable for secondary audio devices, user's manual.
1 Great Travel Pool Side Speakers!
Pretty incredible sound for something as small and light as a hardback book. I have traveled to NYC, Australia, & Mexico now with these amazing speakers and I cannot go anywhere out of town without them. You no longer have to bring all the other chargers with you, this will charge your ipod while it it plugged into your hotel wall at night. We have taken them to the beach, pool, boat, etc. They make a great converstation piece as well. Highly recommend them!
2 Perfect Office/Travel Stereo
I've had this for a total of one week, and I can't imagine life without it. Absolutely perfect for an office or other smaller enclosed spaces, although I used it outside this weekend for yardwork, and it wasn't half bad. Yes, the Bose SoundDock has a richer sound (I've compared the two side by side offline), but it wasn't worth spending more than double on that device. Plus, it (the Bose) isn't as portable - this version collapses just as advertised, about the size and weight of a hardcover book. I travel a bit, and I can't wait to take this on the road.
If you're in the market for an iPod stereo such as this, look no further (and no, I don't work for Altec Lansing).
3 sounds as good as my $300 stereo system!!!
ok i just got these and i seriously cant tell whether my full size stereo sounds better or these do. well i originally got these for at my desk and while im doing my homework but it has turned into my main stereo. you may want to get a set of rechargable batteries to save a little money on regular ones, a few things you gotta make sure of when setting this up is, like with cell phone chargers if the ipod isn't in right it won't play in either 2 or all of the speakers, and in the back there is a little power switch for going from using it as a speaker system to a dock and if you don't have that in the on position the speakers won't work, but you willnever regret buying this, its awsome
4 Decent PORTABLE speakers
I bought these speakers several months ago, specifically for travel. If played at low volume (enough to fill a hotel room, but not loud enough to disturb someone in the next room), they do a very nice job. I use them with my iPod and with a small FM radio (to listen to NPR). They are light, easy to pack, and the sound only distorts at higher volumes. Bringing them along also saves me from packing the iPod charger...so I save a little space. Note: I have the Bose for cranking up the sound at home!
5 Ultra portable, sound is solid, and stylish.
I like these speakers a lot - yes there are some compromises in sound (as expected, bass isn't robust but it's far from "tinny") but overall, I score this sytem very high because its ultra-portable (Bose system has better sound but is big - remember, we're talking iPod here, size matters), sound is generally great (no, it won't crank-up a pool party, but its not made for that) and the style is great (I love the remote control).
I bought this to use aboard my boat and for music to accompany PowerPoint presentations. Like my iPod, I wish it were less expensive and I'm sure it will be in a few months. But right now, its the best portable system going
6 Missed Expectations
The sound is not nearly as good as people might have you believe. It sounds like a pair of speakers that are 4 inches tall.
In addition, a design flaw is that the you cannot use the device as an external IPOD speaker set AND A DOCKING STATION at teh same time. You have to pick one or the other and discoonect the appropriate cables. Try the JBL product!
7 Good Ipod Speakers
Altec Lansing inMotion iM3 is perfect for its design and portability. The sound is not as great as I expected, but it's OK. It's pretty loud but something missing in bass and you need to adjust your ipod equalizer if you are a serious music listener(sound freak). Some of the songs are not clear (Electronica/Dance genre). And also remote control does not work properly. Wait until the price down to $140 and just buy it. Original price $180 bucks is not worth it. Pay extra 120 and just get Bose Ipod speaker which is not portable but has much greater sound. Or get a JBL one which is cheaper than Altec Lansing iM3.
8 More better cool
I was looking for a good sounding, compact, portable speaker system to compliment my iPod. The pressing need was to find something to bring to the hospital for background music during our baby's delivery. At the same time, I need a practical traveling companion that can perform home duty when not on the road. The Altec Lansing iM3 fills all of these needs.
While we await the baby's arrival, the iM3 has been called on to replace an aging Sony Dreamstation CD alarm clock. It took only seconds to unpack and connect to my 20GB 3G iPod. Moments after removing it from the box my wife and I were preparing for bed to our Diana Krall collection. A few spins of the iPod's click-wheel and I had my alarm set to wake me up to my 'Rock' playlist the next morning. Needless to say, it worked like a champ. My wife was able to lower the volume from her side of the bed using the iM3's furnished remote control.
We travel a lot and expect to continue after the baby arrives. The iPod goes with us. What will be great is now, not only will we be able to listen to the iPod in the car (along with XM), we'll also be able to listen to it in our hotel room. Because the iM3 collapses to the size of a small paperback novel it will fit comfortably in our luggage with it's included padded case. Even better, we'll be able to take it on international trips thanks to Altec Lansing having the forsight to provide interface changers for the packaged AC adapter.
As for the sound, the iM3 is no Bose SoundDock. But the audio is quite extraordinary for such a diminutive system. We first sampled some remastered Beatle's upon unpacking the unit but found the sound to be on the tinny side. What we forgot to remember was the Beatle's music was recorded on analog gear over forty years ago. Even with the best digital re-sampling, it's going to sound tinny. We then played some more recent recordings (Diana Krall) and heard a full, rich, quality that was lacking with the Beatle's tunes. Solid bass response, even mids, and clear high notes.
Having sampled the Bose SoundDock and JBL OnStage before purchasing the iM3, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. If I were purchasing a Bookshelf system that would live a sedintary life in my office or den, the SoundDock is the way to go (the JBL OnStage has a very thin sound). I selected the iM3 over the SoundDock for the value it offers (padded case, international AC adapter, and remote) but more so for what the SoundDock can't do... fit in a suitcase.
9 Great Way To Take Your Tunes With You!
I just bought one of these so that I could enjoy my tunes while I'm working outside, and find it fits the bill perfectly. Sure, the sound quality doesn't match my stereo...but I didn't expect that at this price. For its size, however, it's darn good, and a big improvement over previous models. And in order to keep it for myself, I've already had to order a second one for my teenaged nephew...
10 Fantastic Portable iPod Speakers!
These are the best iPod accessory I have. The sound is rich and loud for the size. Sure they won't sound like an expensive stereo system, but they are totally portable and suitable for listening in a large room. By controlling the equalizer on the iPod, I've been pleased with the sound on everything from Jazz to HipHop to Classical. True audiophiles may find fault, but I love them. I suggest bringing your iPod to an Apple store and trying out all of the different speaker systems with your music to see which suit your needs.
These speakers are small, compact and the aesthetics match the iPod . Most of my guests have complimented both the look and the sound.
While the Bose and JBL OnStage speakers have more robust sound (and price tags), they are simply not portable. With these speakers, I can:
1. Pop in some batteries (4 AA last for a long time) and use outside like an iPod boombox.
2. Fold up and drop in my suitcase for business trips (carrying case included).
3. With the included power adapters, I've used these for ad-hoc hotel room parties in Spain, France, Thailand and Malaysia.
4. Leave my power cord/adapter at home and use the speakers to charge the iPod when traveling.
5. Easily move my iPod and music from room to room in my house
The one issue I have is with the included remote control. It is not very responsive and has some lag between button pushes and responses on the iPod. Aside from that, I love these.
11 Better than original ... but still not great.
I was extremely bummed that the sound quality wasn't better on the original inMotion speakers I purchased. I really loved the system's small size, ease of portability and battery-power capabilities. The sound wasn't nearly as crisp or deep as I thought it should be for $150 speakers, especially as I turned the volume up. I returned them and tried out these newer generation inMotion M3 speakers ($180) a couple months later. These had significantly better sound, but I still wasn't happy with the lack of clarity and volume. I figured there had to be better option to play my iPod music on the go.
I ended up purchasing a set of JBL Duet speakers (two-piece system) which I love! Excellent bass and deep, crisp sound ... and I can play music LOUD. While they're not as compact as the inMotion speakers, the incredible sound makes up for it. And I paid $37 for the Duet vs. $149/$179 for the inMotion. I do need the ability to play my iPod with speakers using battery power, so I purchased a rechargable battery pack. It's a little more bulk to transport, but it's so, so worth it!
Advantages of these speakers:
- Much better sound than original inMotion speakers
- Great portability -- small and lightweight
- Remote control included
- Powered by wall jack or AA batteries
- Built-in dock for iPod or iPod mini
However ... deep, crisp, loud sound just isn't there yet, in my opinion.
