Product Description

When Altec Lansing introduced the original inMotion, it set new standards for sound and size and let a whole lot of music out of the iPod. Now Altec Lansing raises the bar again with an innovative and performance-leading new model. The Altec Lansing iM600 sound system offers stereo sound from dual 2-inch neodymium drivers optimized for high-frequency extension (better highs, in other words). It offers more power and output than any other system in its class and, whats more, it features another Altec Lansing engineering innovation called the Stereo Field Expander: SFX for short. SFX makes the speakers sound further apart than they really are, giving the user a heightened stereo effect. The iM600 also features a stereo FM radio and can double as a clock radio when plugged in to an electrical outlet (AC adapter included). It includes rechargeable Li-ion batteries and a wireless remote. And it syncs and charges all dockable iPod models. Whether on the go or on your desk or tabletop, the iM600 resets the expectations for features and performance in a sound solution for the iPod.

Product Details

• Brand: Altec Lansing
• Model: iM600
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 2.00" w x 11.00" l, 3.30 pounds

Amazon.com Product Description
With 17 total watts of power, the compact and portable Altec Lansing iM600 Sound System gives you full optimized stereo sound from dual two-inch neodymium drivers, so you can enjoy your favorite iPod tunes at home or work. It features a built-in FM receiver, as well as an on-board rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that provides over seven hours of battery life before it needs recharging. The iM600 also boasts an Altec Lansing engineering innovation called the Stereo Field Expander, or SFX, which makes the speakers sound further apart than they actually are, resulting in a heightened stereo effect.

For added convenience, the stereo FM radio can double as a clock radio with station presets, LCD display and telescopic antenna for clear reception; simply plug it into an electrical outlet (the AC adapter is included). Superior bass enhancement technology means you can enjoy quality bass without a subwoofer, and the input jack makes it a snap to connect a second device, including CD, DVD and MP3 players. There's even a composite video out for playing your videos and photos for iPod on most TVs, while the built-in iPod dock allows for quick and easy data transfer and recharge. Additionally, this model syncs and charges all dockable iPod models.

Lightweight and easy to move, the iM600 conveniently folds up to 11.0 x 6.0 x 1.7 inches (WxHxD), and weighs just over two pounds, so you can truly take it anywhere. It comes with a wireless remote and AC adapter, and is fully compatible with iPod models that have the alarm clock and sleep timer features.

What's in the Box
inMotion iM600 mobile speaker system, wireless remote, iPod docking adapters, AC adapter, user's guide, and quick connect instructions.

Customer Reviews

AWESOME
Great Product. The battery lasts hours, and the sound is incredible. I would definitely recommend it. The only gripe I have is that the gloss black scratches easily. Other than that it is great.

Altec vs. Athena: Drummers Can Forgo the Greek Goddess
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, since it does not employ any sound imaging contrivances or punched-up select frequencies. 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.

[Warning: the instructions make the briefest of passing references to the included dock adapter-inserts, likely to puzzle anyone who hasn't previously had occasion to use them. Moreover, I have yet to discover a way to remove one (say you're using two different iPod models) without subjecting the plastic surface of the IM600 itself to cosmetic injury. Probably best not to install an insert if you're still "auditioning" the Altec or plan to use more than one type of iPod with the dock connector, especially since the adapter is not essential to establishing an effective connection with the dock.]

This is awesome!
I am so impressed with this product! The sound quality blew me and my husband away the first time we cranked it up and still does! This sounds great and is so easy to use, even my 6-year old can use the remote! I love how I can program my favorite radio stations onto the remote too...very convenient! I highly recommend this product and I am so pleased that I went ahead and bought it.