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Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 Portable Audio System for iPod (White)
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| Price: |
3 new or used available from $199.50
Average customer review:
Product Description
Includes: universal power adapter with international plug adapters Ushering in a whole new era of out-loud audio for iPod, the inMotion iM7 delivers full-bodied sound that rivals traditional home stereo systems. Its sleek, compact design goes where you go. Mobility is encouraged via the iM7's long lasting battery mode. Or plug into a nearby outlet for AC power. The iPod recharges while you listen. Your dockable iPod is secured within a patent pending universal cradle that gracefully opens and recesses with the touch of a finger. The iM7's impressive sound comes from highly advanced neodymium drivers and tweeters, plus a powerful, built-in subwoofer. A wireless remote provides across-the-room command of both the iM7 and iPod, allowing perfect adjustment of your music. Now, your iPod has an ideal traveling companion, the inMotion iM7. Just give it a listen and you'll know why! Wireless Remote - controls basic iPod functions, speaker system's stand-by, master volume, bass, & treble Convenient Auxiliary 3.5mm Input Jack (cable included) Portable mode requires 8 D Batteries (not included)
Product Details
- Color: white
- Brand: Altec Lansing
- Model: iM7
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 6.50" h x 5.00" w x 17.00" l, 2.20 pounds
Features
- Compatibility: iPod nano 1G; iPod mini; iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, 5.5G
- Booming iPod speaker dock with stylish rounded design for easy portability
- Exceptional low frequency bass from the built-in 4-inch side-firing subwoofer
- Powered by AC adapter (international plugs included) or 8 D batteries (not included)
- Video output jack, 3.5mm audio line-in jack for connecting iPod Shuffle and other MP3 players
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Ushering in a new era of out-loud audio for iPod, the inMotion iM7 delivers full-bodied sound that rivals traditional home stereo systems. Its sleek, compact design goes where you go--around the house, to the office, out in the backyard or off to the beach. That's because the iM7 features a long-lasting battery mode along with the ability to plug into a nearby outlet for AC power.
 Cool, rounded design for easy portability. |
 Get booming sound from the 4-inch, side-firing subwoofer. |
- High performance everywhere you go: Patent-pending high efficiency digital amplification delivers consistent, powerful sound from a compact system.
- Deep bass: Feel the exceptional low frequency bass from the built-in 4-inch side-firing subwoofer enhanced with revolutionary XdB technology.
- Smooth mids: Two 3-inch neodymium drivers deliver smooth mids and mid bass.
- Crystal-clear highs: From two custom-designed 1-inch neodymium tweeters.
- Built-in iPod cradle: Adjusts to fit your iPod and recharges it while you listen.
- Portable design: Runs on batteries (8 D batteries, not included) or plugs into the wall.
- Video output: Play your downloaded video movies and TV programs as well as photo albums on most TVs.
- Wireless remote and built-in controls: Basic iPod functions, as well as the speaker systemÕs stand-by, master volume, bass, and treble are at your fingertips with a wireless remote.
- Convenient auxiliary input jack: For connection with other audio devices, including laptops, older iPods, iPod shuffle, and other MP3 players (cable included).
- Universal power adapter: International plug set included.
What's in the Box
Altec Lansing iM7 portable audio system, remote control, 3.5mm auxilliary input cable, universal power supply (with international plugs), iPod mini adapter, Quick Start guide, printed operating instructionsiPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video (note that an iPod nano 2G adapter is available from the Altec Lansing web site, but is not included in the box)
From the Manufacturer
The more things change, the better they get. Take the new Altec Lansing inMotion iM7, for example. It's ushering in a whole new era of sound for the iPod. Full-bodied, fully portable sound. Sound that rivals traditional home stereo systems. But then there's nothing traditional about it. The inMotion iM7 features highly advanced neodymium drivers and tweeters, plus a powerful, built-in subwoofer. Running on batteries or plugged into the wall, it gives you complete mobility. It even features a wireless remote for control of both the iM7 and your iPod from across the room. And the inMotion iM7's sleek, ultra-refined design will make you want one for its looks alone. So, want to know what the iPod's ideal traveling companion looks and sounds like? There's only one way to find out.
 | Features
Connectivity Options
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The ultimate portable audio system for the iPod and iPod mini.
- High Efficiency Digital Amplification
- XdB-enhanced Subwoofer
- Maximum Output Neodymium Drivers
- Built-in iPod Cradle
- AC / Battery Powered
- Wireless Remote
Customer Reviews
GREAT device with one small flaw...
I just received my iM7 from Crutchfield via Amazon. I was hesitant to open it because between order and receipt I read a review in one of the Mac mags that said the sound was mediocre. I finally bit the bullet and, boy! They couldn't have been more wrong ! The sound from this sleek beauty is amazing. Rich, vibrant, mellow - and I prefer it to a Bose SoundDock I have heard. Also, this unit is designed to be portable and the SoundDock isn't.
One small gripe - the battery compartment on the remote is a nightmare. If you have three hands, I suppose it is easy enough to open, but for those of us endowed with only two... A trim piece snapped off my remote the first time I tried to open it. The upside? I e-mailed Altec Lansing, and within 4 days I had a replacement in the mail !!! AMAZING!! A company that understands the concept of customer service ! My only other suggestion? I wish this unit came in black. I know, my IPod is white, but I'd still rather have a black one.
I give this unit an enthusiatic 5 stars, despite the battery compartment on the remote. Don't wait another moment ! Buy one now !
awesome portable sound for my 5G iPod Video (60GB)
I'd been looking for a portable, battery-operated speaker system for my 5th Generation 60GB iPod Video that would really deliver on audio quality. I've listened to a number of very small speaker systems, many over $100, and been utterly disappointed by their tinny sound and distortion at even moderate listening levels.
After reading many reviews, I settled on the iM7 portable audio system. And, considering the truly outstanding sound the Altec Lansing FX6021 provides for my home computer, I already had good experience with the manufacturer.
But despite the glowing reviews, I was still surprised how good this system sounds on a very diverse mixture of music, from classical to vocals to pop, rock, and even dance. The sound is rich and full-range, using the built-in subwoofer and passive radiator for bass, and separate drivers for midrange and treble for each channel. And, you can adjust treble and bass settings, albeit only from the remote.
Even better, this unit can really crank up the volume to fill a large room, an outdoor patio or an area at the beach without distortion. In fact, I've taken this to the beach several times and everyone was shocked that it could pump out good quality sound even on a windy day with a group of 20 people in our area. (At the highest levels, you'll definitely hear some distortion from bass notes on heavy dance music. What do you expect from a 5" sub-woofer?)
The design and build quality are outstanding. This is one solid unit, and nicely complements the iPod, regardless of what color you own. The iPod itself mounts in a cassette-like mount with adapters and a thickness adjustment for handling all major iPods (except the shuffle, which you could play through the audio in, or pay extra for an adapter). The front of your iPod is not protected, however, so it's a good idea to have a protective film to prevent scratches, especially with sliding the iPod in and out of the cradle. (I use PowerSupport CrystalFilm protector.)
You use your iPod controls to select music, videos, photos, or playlists since the remote control only has settings for next/previous track, volume up/down, bass up/down, treble up/down, and power. And Apple's newer iPods support Alarm-Clock functionality giving you a nice (if not expensive) wakeup with your music.
Altec Lansing makes a carry case for the iM7 that is well worth the money. It fits snugly, has a small pouch for carrying a cable or two (not much else), and a shoulder strap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: make sure you order this new at Amazon or its partners, as the latest packaging includes additional adapters for the iPod Nano and the 5G Video iPods (30GB or 60GB).
Advantages:
- outstanding sound quality across a variety of music genres
- minimal hiss or other noise during silent passages or track gaps
- outstanding build quality (really feels solid)
- ingenious iPod docking mechanism, similar to the cassette players of yesteryear; includes adapters for every major iPod (including nano, mini, and 30/60 Video) - adapter for iPod Shuffle is extra cost
- ability to adjust treble and bass settings, albeit only from the remote control
- video out (composite and S-Video) for iPod Photo and Video
- stereo audio in (mini phone jack) for additional sources or non-iPod players
- headphone jack (but frankly, why bother?)
- power button is synchronized to the iPod; when you power off the iM7, it places your iPod on Pause
- when plugged into the wall, charges your iPod (it does not charge your iPod when running on battery power)
- universal power adapter with international plugs
Disadvantages:
- not the lightest system, epecially with batteries (10+ pounds)
- stereo separation isn't outstanding, but who would expect that from a portable system?
- no ability to see treble or bass settings - you just have to listen to what sounds good
- the built-in handle isn't very comfortable; I ordered the carry case to sling it over my shoulder
- it can eat through batteries; expect about 10-12 hours from 8 "D" alakine cells; it's ashame it didn't include a built-in rechargeable pack as rechargeable "D" cells are expensive, as are their chargers
- included power adapter doesn't have a long cord, as you would expect for a unit that could be used outdoors; expect to use an extension cord unless you're running on batteries or near a power outlet
- remote control doesn't have the greatest range (10 feet) and must be aimed directly at the unit
- as another reviewer wrote, installing and replacing the battery on the remote control requires two hands and some dexterity
Despite the detail I've included here, the advantages and sound quality of this unit are so superior that I still give it a 5-star rating despite the minor disadvantages I've noted.
Also, early units were susceptible to problems with the loading mechanism, since fixed. I have had no problems with my new unit, but a number of refurbished units are being sold by some vendors.
IMPORTANT NOTE: the inside of one battery cover mentions that if you don't intend to use the unit on batteries for some period of time that the batteries should be removed to avoid draining. It is easy to miss this warning, but it definitely should be followed! I drained two sets of batteries before I discovered this.
Better than SoundDock, iGroove & Hi-Fi!
I wanted new iPod speakers for my home office, so I decided to test a few out. I picked up the Altec Lansing inMotion iM9 and I liked the quality. It sat on my desk, and faced me from only a couple feet away. Then I noticed a "popping" sound between tracks that annoyed me. The default volume was way too high when you turn it on, too. I decided to return it.
Then I picked up the Logitech mm50. Nice design and good sound from small speakers. It came with a case and integrated nicely with the iPod. Everything seemed great until I decided to move it to a table across the room to free up space on my desk. My office is about 15' x 12', and the mm50 was now 10' away from me and didn't come close to "filling the room" with sound. I decided to return it.
I have now decided to shell out some bucks for bigger sound, but I still wanted a one-piece system with an iPod docking option. Keep in mind that by now, I really wanted that iPod Hi-Fi that I've had my eye on. I decided to compare the Hi-Fi with the Klipsch iGroove, Bose SoundDock and Altec Lansing iM7.
In short, the Klipsch iGroove and Bose SoundDock's sound was really disappointing. Bye. So now it's down to the Hi-Fi and the iM7. I don't know why, but I wanted to dislike the iM7 for some reason. While testing the two, some songs sounded better on the Hi-Fi, but most began to sound better on the iM7. When I looked closer, the iM7's design really began to grow on me. I continued to listen to clips of about 30 songs from different genres on the Hi-Fi and iM7 and a clear winner emerged for me - the iM7. The ability to change the bass and trebble was great, on the Hi-Fi, you can only increase one of them, not both, via the iPod's display.
Better sound, great bass, tone controls, a better design, video-out options, and an iPod "cassette" enclosure that keeps my music player inside were all great differentiators in favor of the iM7. After I brought it home, it really did a great job filling the room with powerful sound, with the ability to turn it up fairly loud without distortion.
I did my homework, so hopefully it will help you. The Hi-Fi's great, but the iM7 is a better integrated iPod speaker solution.
