8 May 2009

By: Alex Vochin, Gadgets Editor
Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 BLK Speaker System for iPod Review
Just the thing to take along with you when going out in some remote location
Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 BLK Altec Lansing
One of the factors that have managed to push Apple to the place it occupies right now on the CE market in general and that of portable entertainment products in particular is the huge success that its iPod player has recorded over the years, the various incarnations of this product becoming somewhat of an icon of portable music for the entire world. Given this situation, it was to be expected for other big names in the industry to come up with an assortment of peripherals and devices to accompany the iPod and enhance some of its various functions, the most common type of such third-party accessories being represented by either earphones or speaker systems. And a set of speakers is exactly the product we'll talk about as follows, namely the inMotion iM7 BLK from Altec Lansing, which was actually a very pleasant surprise, due to the high quality of the sound it generates, its looks, and some of its other features on the side. The inMotion iM7 and its all-black version, the iM7 BLK, are not exactly new products, since they've been around for quite some time now. However, they manage to provide some features a lot of users will certainly find interesting, whether we're talking about the design, the level of mobility they provide, or, last, but certainly not least, they are now quite affordable, compared with some of the newer models to arrive on the market. We won't go into specific details regarding the design, the power or the level of versatility Altec Lansing's iPod-dedicated speaker can provide, because we'll detail each of these issues in the forthcoming chapters. We'll just say that this thing should really appeal to anyone, especially if we're talking about iPod owners who can't afford one high-end, latest-gen speaker system, at the same time looking for clear and powerful sound, good bass and a high level of portability. [[BREAK=Design and aesthetics]] Overall design features Without a doubt, Altec Lansing's iM7-BLK speaker system is one attractive product, starting from the form factor itself and ending with the quality of the finishing. Hence, the speaker system has a very rounded shape, looking like one large tube equipped with an iPod universal connector and a couple of control options right in the middle. However, this unusual rounded shape is a lot more attractive than the "squarer" form factors displayed by most other similar devices. Color-wise, as you've guessed right from the name itself, the iM7-BLK is an all-black device, which, grants it certain elegance (further enhanced by the form factor). Pretty much every component of the speaker system is painted in black, the only exception being the Composite interface on the back and the white writing on the front (including here the lines that point out the position of the control buttons). The quality of the plastic is also very impressive, the device feeling great to the touch and looking even better, especially when in the right lighting. To make a long story short, this
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thing looks a lot better than we would expect, given the price point. Size and portability Theoretically, the iM7-BLK from Altec Lansing is a portable system, but the truth of the matter is that a lot of users might have some problems carrying this thing around. And that's because the gadget measures a good 16.75 inches (42.5 cm) in length and about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in diameter, at a weight of around 10 pounds (4.53 kilos) with no batteries installed. In other words, it's a pretty big thing, which will certainly occupy a fairly large amount of space anywhere you might place it, and it's not really ideal for taking along when going on a trip where luggage space is limited. Button and slot placement It's quite interesting to note that the designers and engineers from Altec Lansing have placed a fairly small amount of buttons on the speaker system itself, leaving most of the control options for the remote control. So, practically, the only buttons we can encounter on the top side of the iM7-BLK are the power switch and the volume adjustment buttons, the latter providing a fairly good level of sensitivity when pressed. In the immediate vicinity of the power switch, there's also a blue activity LED, which informs the user whether the device is powered or not. One relatively bothering thing was the fact that you can't really "feel" or "hear" the subtle differences of adjusting the volume, since there are no "clicking" sounds. Guess that you'll just have to keep pressing the buttons until the audio level reaches a comfortable level, since there are no visual indicators of the values you're adjusting. The device sports two "slots," if we can call them that, which have the purpose of housing the 8 D-size batteries used for powering the iM7-BLK when not connected to the mains. Both slots are placed on the rear side, on the left and right extremities, respectively. Connectivity options As expected, the most important interface of the iM7-BLK is represented by the iPod universal connector, which is placed right on the front side, in the center of the speaker system. However, the gadget from Altec Lansing delivers other connectivity options, all of which are placed on the rear side, underneath the rubber grip used for carrying the speaker system around. So, users can also make good us of the Composite and S-Video interfaces in order to hook up the system to a TV set, while the Line-in audio interface is very useful for connecting an audio player/MP3 player/PMP to the system (other than the iPod, of course). Remote control As mentioned above, the remote control offers a lot more options than the main body of the speaker system. So, besides a secondary set of Power and Volume controls, the remote can control the specific amounts of Bass and Treble the speaker system outputs, as well as certain playback options, including Play/Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind.

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Unfortunately, the remote has two major flaws. First of all, despite being quite slim and thin, it's also rather ugly, not really fitting the attractive external design of the iM7-BLK. Second, its functioning range is absolutely appalling, namely just around 10 feet (or 3 meters), which is far from being of any use, especially if you've installed the audio system in a larger room. [[BREAK=Hardware specifications and performance]] Specifications Total Continuous power: 50 Watts RMS; Total Peak Power: 100 Watts; Speakers: - 2 x high-definition neodymium 3-inch speakers;                 - 2 x custom-designed 1-inch neodymium tweeters;                 - side-firing 4-inch subwoofer; Speaker power: 12.5 Watts/channel @ 14 Ohms @ 10% THD @ 300 HZ - 20 KHZ, 2 channels loaded; Subwoofer power: 25 Watts @ 6 Ohms, @ 10 % THD @ 70 - 300 HZ, single channel loaded. Batteries - 8, D-Size. [IMG=28][IMG=29] Overall performance Now, quite obviously, the speakers' performance is, without a doubt, one of the most important selling points the device from Altec Lansing has to offer. And, as we've mentioned right from the start, the iM7-BLK provides a very pleasant surprise in this field, since the level of performance delivered by the speaker system is far better than we would have expected from a portable audio system. First and foremost, the inclusion of a subwoofer in the mix has certainly increased the speaker's size, but has also managed to add a lot more thump to the music. Moreover, the fact that it's side-firing, rather than bottom-firing is quite important, since it will avoid vibrations and prevent the iM7 from moving around on the surface it's been placed onto. As you've been able to see in the specs list, the InMotion speaker system from Altec Lansing also sports two tweeters for the treble, plus two standard drivers for highs and mids. All of these speakers manage to achieve their goals in a relatively honorable manner, their sound being quite OK at an average volume, but displaying a little bit of distortion at the highest levels. Battery performance As we've mentioned in the previous chapters of our review, besides the built-in mains connector, the Altec Lansing iM7 can be alternatively powered by 8 D-size batteries. While installing these batteries will surely push up this thing's weight scale, they'll offer it a functioning autonomy of around ten hours. This ain't exactly fantastic, but it's good enough if you're planning to listen to the music stored on your iPod when going to a picnic with a couple of friends, for example. However, you shouldn't really rely on these batteries for long music-listening sessions, because they'll most likely let you down.

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[[BREAK=Real-life performance]] Within the previous chapter of our review, we've talked a little bit about the specific performance the iM7's various components have to offer from a strictly objective point of view. Since, after all, most people purchase such a system in order to actually use it (rather than just analyze its features and performance), during this particular segment, we'll try to describe the iM7 from the point of view of a normal, every day user. [IMG=21][IMG=22][IMG=23] Well, the first thing you'll notice when opening the box of the iM7 and taking it out of the packaging (or even when taking it home from the store) is the fact that it's pretty heavy, a lot heavier than you'd expected. However, at the same time, it's without a doubt one of the most attractive products of this type we've ever seen, a tubular speaker system that will certainly look good wherever you might place it. After you're done hooking it up to the mains, working with the iM7 will be a very easy task. First of all, you'll have to figure out whether your specific iPod model works with the speaker system right out of the box or whether you'll have to add one of the adapters included in the sales package. After you're done with this particular part of the process, you can immediately start enjoying your favorite music, either by controlling the iPod directly, or issuing commands to the entire system (iPod + iM7) via the remote control. Sadly, the remote control's range is a fairly limited one, of around 10 feet (or 3 meters), which is utterly disappointing. Of course, as mentioned above, Altec Lansing's speaker system works quite well with other audio signal sources as well, via the auxiliary line-in interface. So, you can easily employ it as an additional audio system for your computer or notebook, or use it together with your MP3 player/PMP or portable gaming console. In fact, the range of choices is limitless, and it's up to you to figure out just how to make the best out of the functions the iM7 has to offer. What's really interesting to note here is the fact that Altec Lansing's iPod speaker system is far better, from the point of view of audio quality and power, than anyone might expect from it at first sight. [IMG=24][IMG=25] Hence, unlike other similar systems available on the market, which can only be used within a relatively quiet environment (such as a small, empty room, for example) in order to achieve an optimum audio effect, things are quite different in the case of the iM7, which will manage to hold its own even in a crowded room. In other words, if you want to throw a party (well, at least, a small party) using your iPod and this system, you're good to go. Also, unlike some other systems of this type you'll see (listen to) out there, Altec Lansing's offering does a pretty good job even if you set the volume at the maximum possible level, with the sound suffering a fairly small amount of distortions. The bass is also quite clear and powerful, with little muddiness, which is yet another major plus. As mentioned above, the iM7 from Altec Lansing is being advertised as a portable system, and for this purpose, the support rubber grip on the rear side can really come in handy for carrying this thing from one party to the next. However, if you decide to make it truly portable and install all of the 8 D-size batteries, the weight is very likely to increase. [IMG=26][IMG=27] Another interesting thing worth mentioning here is the fact that Altec Lansing's iPod docking station can also be used for outputting the photos stored in an iPod's memory onto a TV set. That's possible due to the fact that the audio system comes equipped with Composite and

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S-Video outputs, which can be very easily connected to a TV via the appropriate cables (not included in the package, unfortunately). The result will be that you'll be able to enjoy your favorite photos accompanied by your favorite music, in a very interesting and, at the same time, easy manner. Plus, the video ports work regardless of whether the iM7's power switch is turned on, which makes it even more versatile. Finally, pretty much as expected (since all of the other similar devices existing on the market do so), the iM7 will also recharge any iPod connected to it, which is always a good thing (after all, we wouldn't want to run out of power exactly when we need it most, would we, now?). [[BREAK=Conclusions]] Now that we've seen what Altec Lansing's iM7 BLK iPod Speaker System can do, it's about time to draw a line and see what exactly is cool and what's not that cool about it. The Good Altec Lansing's iM7 is quite an attractive piece of gear, whose rounded, all-black appearance will most likely fit any home decor. It provides good quality sound even in louder environments, with a clean and powerful bass, a fairly extensive battery life, an easy and intuitive control system, plus a very slim and easy to use remote control. Furthermore, the device recharges docked iPods, and can even be used for viewing photo slideshows from the Apple player's memory onto a TV set. The Bad There aren't many "bad" things one might have to say about Altec Lansing's iM7 BLK iPod speaker system, apart from the fact that the power cord is kind of short, and the same can be said about the functioning range of the included remote control. Plus, carrying around the iM7 BLK when all of the 8 D batteries are installed does require a bit of strength. Overall Impressions The Altec Lansing iM7 BLK is a fairly old product but it's what we might call an "oldie but goldie," since its price point now makes it very affordable for a wider array of consumers. The speaker system combines a very sleek and attractive external design with good quality audio and a fairly high level of portability, making it a good, all-round solution for any iPod owner (including those displaying some sort of audiophile "streak"). Sales package - Altec Lansing iM7 BLK; - Power cord; - Power adapter tips; - iPod adapters (for various iPod models); - Audio cable (for connecting an external MP3 player); - User's Manual. [IMG=30][IMG=31][IMG=32]

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P ORTA B L E A U DIO

un.plugged
Big portable sound Enhanced Subwoofer for the iPod.

Enhanced Subwoofer

High Efficiency Digital Amplification XdB-enhanced Subwoofer Maximum Output Neodymium Drivers Built-in iPod Cradle AC / Battery Powered Wireless Remote
Made for: iPod with iPod display iPod nano iPod mini iPod with dock connector

CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS::

The iM7 offers a convenient set of connectivity options to allow you to enjoy audio from your iPod, CD player, MP3 player, portable DVD players, TV or VCR, as well as project your iPod photo albums onto a television set. iPod dock connector auxiliary 3.5mm input s-video

composite video (RCA)

PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS:
ROCK THE HOUSE! Take your tunes to the bedroom or a party for a couple hundred of your best friends. Either way, the iM7 cuts through the noise. Its built-in dual-sided subwoofer comes through like a sonic boom. Fits and charges most iPods with a dock connector, and links video and Enhanced photo-capable players to a TV set. Comes with a remote control. Enhanced

Subwoofer

MASTER CARTON QUANTITY: 2 MASTER CARTON DIMENSIONS: 19.6" (W) x 17" (D) x 11.25" (H) 497 mm (W) x 433 mm (D) x 286 mm (H) DISPLAY CARTON DIMENSIONS: 19" (W) x 8.2" (D) x 10.4" (H) 482 mm (W) x 208 mm (D) x 265 mm (H) MASTER CARTON WEIGHT: 19 lbs. 8.6 kg DISPLAY CARTON WEIGHT: 8.7 lbs. 4 kg
Patents pending. 2005 Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.
ALTEC, ALTEC LANSING, the Altec Lansing logo, the swirl design, the Altec Lansing Powered Audio logo, Just listen to this!, inMotion, the InMotion logo, and XdB are trademarks or registered trademarks of Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 535 Rte. 6 & 209. Milford, PA, USA 18337-0277 800-ALTEC-88. 570-296-4434 Fax 570-296-6887 EUROPE 13 Rue Beaumont, L-1219 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Tel: +36 Fax: +26 ASIA/PACIFIC 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon, Hong Kong (852) 2735-7331 Fax (852) 2730-7748 Engineered in USA. Made in China
high performance everywhere you go
Patent-pending high efficiency digital amplification delivers consistent, powerful sound from a compact system.

portable design

Runs on batteries* or plugs into the wall.
video output for iPod photo
Play your photo albums on most TVs.

deep bass

Feel the exceptional low frequency bass from the built-in 4 side-firing subwoofer enhanced with revolutionary XdB technology.
wireless remote and built-in controls
Basic iPod functions, as well as the speaker systems stand-by, master volume, bass, and treble are at your fingertips with a wireless remote. Just sit back and enjoy!

smooth mids

Two 3 neodymium drivers deliver smooth mids and mid bass.
convenient auxiliary input jack

For connection with other audio devices, including laptops, older iPods, iPod shuffle, and other MP3 players (cable included). 01/06

crystal-clear highs

From two custom-designed 1 neodymium tweeters.

built-in iPod cradle

Adjusts to fit your iPod and recharges it while you listen.

universal power adapter

With international plug set included.
www.alteclansing.com/inmotion