Altec Lansing makes some fine computer audio products. I've had one of their cheapest 3-piece sattelite/subwoofer speaker systems hooked up to my PowerBook for almost two years now, and I love it. These
folks know audio, and it looks like they know how to innovate too. Their new inMotion portable
speaker system is certainly a clever little number.
Designed specifically for use with Apple's iPod, the inMotion is a combination powered speaker system/dock
that turns your portable audio player into a super small digital boom box. 8" long and 5" wide,
inMotion is about the size of a small hardcover novel, and runs off of
4-AA batteries or the included AC adaptor, so you can share your music with friends wherever you go. The
white plastic casing with silver and black speaker drivers matches iPod's style, and the folding hinge
design provides both easy carrying and a free-standing design that's easy to use.
inMotion is pretty simple to use: Just fold the system open, snap your 3G iPod into the
docking cradle, and turn the speakers on. Since the system makes use of iPod's line out connector,
volume adjustments are made using inMotion's controls, large "+" and "-" buttons located on the
top of the base. A sliding power switch is the only other control to be found on the unit, though
the back panel does have headphone, AC power, and aux-in jacks, and an iPod firewire cable pass-through
port (older model iPods will work with inMotion by way of the aux-in jack and included stereo
cable).
When I first unpacked the unit, I was impressed with it's look but not expecting much in the
way of sound. The four 1" speakers look cool, but they look more like a cool toy than a serious
audio device. I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised when I powered the system up and
pressed Play.
The "custom-designed neodymium Micro Drivers" and 4 watt Class D digital amplifier turn out some pretty
serious sound for a system that weighs all of 15 ounces. Fiddling with the iPod's EQ settings a little,
I was able to get pretty good stereo reproduction, especially in the mid- and upper ranges. The
sound wasn't tinny like I feared it would be, and bass response was decent. No, these won't replace your home stereo
or computer surround-sound system, but after about five minutes of using them I honestly
forgot I was listening through inMotion and not my sub/sat system.
What's neat about inMotion is that when you run it off of AC power, the dock charges your iPod
while it plays. This makes inMotion a great solution if you like to listen to music at work: plug
one of these in at your office and after a day of use, your iPod will still be fully charged for the
gym or ride home. The design is also compatible with the NaviPod remote control system though
as mentioned before, volume can only be adjusted using inMotion's control buttons.
Would I pay $150 for a speaker system of this quality? No. But when you factor in the portability and docking features, the
price starts to make a little more sense. iPods are probably still a little over-priced, but I
bought one and am glad I did. Same goes for inMotion -- if you're looking for a way to turn your
iPod into a 21st Century boom box, this is a pretty good, and very stylish, way to go. For $79 or
99 I'd recommend it in earnest; at $149 it's a great gadget if you've got money to splurge or a
generous, gift-giving friend willing to do so for you.
