Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
Manufacturer: Altec Lansing Part number: iM600
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Altec Lansing has been in the iPod speaker market longer than anyone, and it shows. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery and an FM radio makes the iM600 incredibly versatile.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/01/2009 |
 | | In stock | as of 12/01/2009 | |
| CrispDeals.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 12/01/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 price range: $94.88 - $120.00
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Edited by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 04/18/2007
The good: Altec Lansing's iM600 speaker system offers a compact design, great sound, video output, auxiliary input, remote control, FM radio, and a rechargeable battery rated at seven hours of continuous playback.
The bad: The iM600 does not secure your iPod from falling out; its alarm clock feature only works with the iPod; the rechargeable battery is not removable; and the FM radio band is wider than necessary.
The bottom line: Altec Lansing has been in the iPod speaker market longer than anyone, and it shows. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery and an FM radio makes the iM600 incredibly versatile.
The Altec Lansing inMotion series of iPod-docking speaker systems has enjoyed a relatively long and respectable run against a slew of competition. The original inMotion was one of the first to really deliver attractive design and great sound in a small, affordable system. The iM7 is perhaps the company's best-known product, with its distinctive futuristic boombox look. More recently, the iM500 brought a dramatically thin design to compliment the iPod Nano, and the iM9 offered a more rugged design for outdoor use. With this kind of history, no one can rival Altec Lansing's track record for producing small, rich-sounding iPod speaker systems with stunning design. The iM600 ($149.95) is no exception to the inMotion legacy.
Design
At 11 inches wide, 6 inches tall and just under 2 inches thick, the iM600 packs a lot of sound into an alarmingly small space. Although larger than the iM500, its basic design is nearly identical. A spring-loaded button centered on the front panel releases the system's kickstand and reveals the iPod dock, power button, and volume controls on the front, as well as the USB, audio, and power connections on the back. On the top of the system you'll find rubber buttons for track shuttling (they also double as FM scan controls) and audio source selection (iPod, FM, or auxiliary input), as well as one marked SFX that activates a stereo enhancement feature. An antenna telescopes out of the right side and can be angled in any direction.
The iM600 includes a small remote control with most of the functions you'd want as well as four preset keys for the FM tuner. FM presets only work with the remote, however, so be careful not to lose it. A remote control storage slot located on the back panel will help keep the remote from falling between your sofa cushions. One feature lacking on the remote control is the ability to navigate through your iPod's menus, which would allow you to switch between playlists, podcasts, and shuffle modes without having to touch your iPod.
Sizing up the competition
To put the iM600 in perspective, its closest high-end competition comes in the form of the Bose SoundDock (twice the price of the iM600) and the Klipsch iGroove. Both of these competitive systems offer great sound in a small package, but the iM600 is unique in its inclusion of a video output, subwoofer output, and a USB port allowing the iPod to sync with your computer while docked. On top of it all, the inclusion of a digital FM tuner and auxiliary input ensures the iM600 will still have a purpose long after the iPod inevitably changes its connection type again.
Some drawbacks
Still, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 isn't perfect for everyone. It comes with adapters to support third, fourth, and fifth-generation iPods, iPod Nano, and iPod Mini, but the dock does not secure your iPod as much as cradle it. Because of this, the iM600 is less suited for outdoor use than systems like the iM9 or iM7, which really protect your iPod from falling out. Outdoor users also may bemoan the inclusion of a rechargeable battery which will need to be plugged in after it is drained, as opposed to common disposable batteries that instantly provide power in circumstances where a power outlet is not available. In this sense, the iM600 is really intended for home use where its seven-hour battery life feels more liberating than restricting.
Another disappointment was the iM600's advertised alarm clock feature. Instead of providing a functional alarm clock that could use either the iPod or the FM radio, this feature is nothing more than support for the iPod's existing alarm clock. This means no snooze button. It also means you'll be without an alarm clock if you forget to dock your iPod the night before.
Sound control
Like previous Altec Lansing inMotion systems, the iM600 lacks even basic EQ control. This is fine if you want to use your iPod's built-in EQ settings, but disappointing if you want tone control over the FM radio or auxiliary input. Regardless, the iM600 has a full, rich sound that didn't leave us wanting fiddle with EQ adjustments. There is an audio enhancement function that's subtle enough to leave on for most applications and gives a pleasant widening of the stereo image plus a little low-end boost.
Final thoughts
The Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 is a great audio system that in many ways improves upon the outstanding iM7 system by providing a more compact body, an FM tuner, and video output. The sound from the iM600 is loud enough to fill a room and detailed enough in both the high and low end to satisfy the majority of users. At maximum volume you will experience some distortion, but this is common among all its competition and a small price to pay for all the versatility the iM600 packs in such a small package.
Note: Be sure to check out our Tips & Tricks for the Altec Lansing iM600.
User reviews
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better than bose sound dock, ihome, and jbl dock
by sb12345 on August 26, 2007
Pros: rechargeable battery!!, nifty remote with holder for it integrated in device, easy to use, clear easy-to-read screen, sfx not cheesy, has aux input and fm radio, bass impressive, mids and highs clear
Cons: specified iPod nano dock didn't work with my 2G nano because it has a hard case on it (hardly a con), doesn't have handle or included carrying case
Summary: i'm quite an audiophile and am picky about how my music sounds. the sound quality is extremely impressive. mids and highs very clear. bass is quite responsive. anything but ...
Summary: i'm quite an audiophile and am picky about how my music sounds. the sound quality is extremely impressive. mids and highs very clear. bass is quite responsive. anything but cheesy audio enhancement sfx. highly portable. perfect for taking to parties, friends' houses, long bus rides, as it has a rechargeable battery. i would say it retains about 90% of the sound quality as top-of-the-line IM7--the IM7 just goes louder. i don't know why people are complaining about not having a headphone port--that's what your iPod headphone port is for! not having an am band isn't that important for me. compared to the bose sound dock, it's probably equally good or better for about half the price. this is a really good product.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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True Quality sound with good looks and portability
by Par Seven on October 5, 2007
Pros: Incredible sound. Built in Lithium Ion battery (no more "Ds" to buy & lug around)
Cons: None to speak of.
Summary: This portable system is incredible. The sound defys its size, and it's head and shoulders above its competition (I've owned 2 others). The closest in quality is the ...
Summary: This portable system is incredible. The sound defys its size, and it's head and shoulders above its competition (I've owned 2 others). The closest in quality is the Klipsch, but this adds FM and a lithium ion battery (amazing how often this gets used away from the kitchen counter).
I laugh at reviewers that belittle the unit because it doesn't have AM (when no other has radio at all) or give it a "1" because it doesn't have a headphone jack (why would you dock your iPod in a speaker system only to plug in headphones? - NEWS FLASH - your iPod has a headphone jack).
Anywho, I first bought this for our nanny to take back to college. I was so impressed that I had to have one. If you're in the market, go to Best Buy (or any other electronics store) and just listen. I think you'll see and hear why anyone that owns one raves.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Altec Lansing has created a user friendly, innovative speaker dock!
by yisrael2 on October 24, 2007
Pros: The im600 has the versatality of any speaker dock made for iPod and more with the inclusion of an FM Tuner. The sound is incredible for the footprint of the unit. Add the subwoofer to add more bass.
Cons: If there are any cons, it would be the additiion of AM tuner, thats it.
Summary: I've had this unit now for about 4 months and it has more than exceeded my expectations. I transport it to work in my laptop bag. I found a ...
Summary: I've had this unit now for about 4 months and it has more than exceeded my expectations. I transport it to work in my laptop bag. I found a CD case that it fits in, ripped out the CD slipcovers and now I use it as my transport case, a very cheap way to protect your unit from scratches and bumps. As far as the sound, I have to keep it down at work, unless we're having one of those afternoons when folks need a pick me up. The im600 delivers in a big way. Shortly after the purchase, I bought the Altec Lansing BB2001 Subwoofer. This beast adds another dimenson to the sound, from Jazz, R&B, to some classical music, for the price, $129 on Amazon, you can't beat the im600!
Updated
AL outdid themselves with the im600. It is truly a great sounding portable ipod speaker system. The sound is crisp and clear in an average living room (25' x 30') and with the BB2001 Subwoofer it couldn't be better. A great investment!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound in a compact package.
by thatsinkingfeeling on April 26, 2007
Pros: Sound quality, portability, construction, and functionality
Cons: None to speak of now, howeever, we did need to exchange our first unit as it did not work.
Summary: We love this little unit. A great combination of sound quality and portability. It is about the size and weight of a hard cover book and just as easy to ...
Summary: We love this little unit. A great combination of sound quality and portability. It is about the size and weight of a hard cover book and just as easy to move from one room to another. As an example, because it is so compact and there are no wires or cables to fuss with, we will have it in the kitchen while we cook and then move it to the dining room during dinner. The ipod dock and stand fold away to leave a smooth surface that you can easily store away in a bag for travel. The sound is nearly as good as the bose, at about half the price and adds a very nice fm tuner. Highly recommended.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Altec Lansing has awful Customer Service.
by websterphreaky on November 30, 2009
Pros: Sounds OK, looks pretty and that's about it.
Cons: Faulty components, TERRIBLE Customer Service! Lousy FM reception, 45 minute waits on Customer Service Hold!
Summary: My unit arrived with a totally dead IR Remote control, the ONLY way to select and save FM station and control the iPod. I called over 4+ weeks ago for ...
Summary: My unit arrived with a totally dead IR Remote control, the ONLY way to select and save FM station and control the iPod. I called over 4+ weeks ago for a replacement, they sent a AC power supply instead. Called AGAIN 3+ weeks ago to complain and Customer Service PROMISED to send the IR Remote immediately, NOTHING has arrived! I called a 3rd time today and now they tell me there are NONE in stock and no indication when they will have more to send! CS lied!
Warning! Don't buy ANYTHING by Altec Lansing. I will never from them again! -
Loved it, but it's now half the system it use to be!
by Smitty329 on September 19, 2009
Pros: Versatility, excellent sound, FM feature, long battery life, portability
Cons: durability
Summary: I have used this at a minmum on a weekly basis for close to 3 years and loved it -recommended it to my sister who also has one. Took it ...
Summary: I have used this at a minmum on a weekly basis for close to 3 years and loved it -recommended it to my sister who also has one. Took it out on the patio to listen to music, packed it and took it on vacation, took it during weekly travel on business. About 3 months ago, I noticed no sound was coming out of the left side. Reseated the ipod and cleaned the connection (blew on it), turned it on and off a couple times, and it was working again. Now the porblem has returned. It happens not only with the ipod but FM and Auxiliary connection - not the ipod connection. Have tried multiple things still not working - very disappointed. Emailed altec customer service and they said if it's less than a year old it can be replaced under warranty. I expect something at this cost to last more than a year. Currently debating whether to buy a new one or seek another alternative.
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incredible bang (and jingle) for your Mighty Dollar
by sublime-1 on August 28, 2009
Pros: I have had an iPod for quite some time but never really used it outside the gym until I got this as a gift. It's got excellent sound at moderate and low volume, and having the ability to unplug and take iot to the beach is a plus.
Cons: Not really a negative to it. Battery life is excellent, and it doubles as my PC speakers saving me money. If it matters, it also has a composite Video out for your Music videos, etc. Fits any iPod but not for iPhone
Summary: If you have $100 to spend on PC / iPod speakers and want something you can grab and take along, it's a no brainer.
FM radio, rechargeable, and useful as ...Summary: If you have $100 to spend on PC / iPod speakers and want something you can grab and take along, it's a no brainer.
FM radio, rechargeable, and useful as an output for anything using 1/8" stereo connector. It's also got excellent sound quality considering the size of the drivers.
If it was stolen, I wouldn't even look at any other brand or model. I'd try to find another one of these. -
Just shuts down
by ijustwanttosay on August 18, 2009
Pros: it lived for a month.
Cons: Got the product brand new as a gift. It worked wonderfully for a month then it just shuts off after a few seconds of turning on. The volume controls weren't responsive. I called customer service and it just went straight to voicemail.
Summary: The intent of the product is cool but frustrating and disappointing that it can't deliver. Customer service isn't much of a service at all when you have to ...
Summary: The intent of the product is cool but frustrating and disappointing that it can't deliver. Customer service isn't much of a service at all when you have to leave a message, especially on a weekday.
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science & features and a great price
by cmendes2001 on August 5, 2009
Pros: price; sound quality; FM radio: aux port; remote; battery
Cons: not compatible with iphone; some weird noises; no equalizer; unable to navigate through ipod controls using remote.
Summary: out of the box looks extremely compact and solid. sound is excelent for the price range although it has the typical "small speaker" effect. the basses were maybe a bit ...
Summary: out of the box looks extremely compact and solid. sound is excelent for the price range although it has the typical "small speaker" effect. the basses were maybe a bit high that's why an equalizer would be a plus. The ESS effect doesn't add much more. The sound can also be quite loud but at the expense of quality, but its more than enough for a medium size room.
FM is a real plus, reception is great and the antenna is cleverly hidden. Clever is also the way the device folds with an extra place for the remote. The remote has all what's needed, but controls for the ipod menu would be nice.
As opposed to other opinions, i think the ipod fits nicely, it's not locked but it won't fall just like that
On the back the only thing that i'm excited about is the aux entry -this way i can connect an iphone or another player-, the other jacks i don't care but i'm sure they can be useful at some point.
Overall, the important things are there: good performance/price; sound quality; FM radio; aux input. -
Extremely versatile with good sound quality
by blipblipgnip on August 4, 2009
Pros: Good sound, lots of uses
Cons: Starting to fritz out a bit after 1.5 years
Summary: I've used this unit heavily for some time now, using most of the functions. I've used it plugged and unplugged with 2 ipods, as a speaker for a ...
Summary: I've used this unit heavily for some time now, using most of the functions. I've used it plugged and unplugged with 2 ipods, as a speaker for a laptop and netbook (had to buy a cheap cable for that), as a portable FM stereo, and have hooked it up to the tv through the composite output to show watch video and show pictures off my ipod. Amazing! My sister had a Bose model which couldn't hold a candle to this in terms of versatility. I thought I might buy a subwoofer when I originally bought it, but the sound quality hasn't demanded it, as it sounds great as is. After 1.5 years, it's starting to get a little fussy - when I turn it on it occasionally gets stuck on 'aux' mode and it sounds like a little piece might have shaken loose inside, but it gets back to full use pretty quickly. For the price and the amazing amount of uses I've gotten out of it, I am extremely pleased with this product. Sidenote: I mangled the remote out of ineptitude when I first got it, called customer service and they sent me a new one, no questions asked.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Altec Lansing
- Part number: iM600
- Description: An update of the best-selling iM600, the inMotion Classic sets the standard for sound and size.
General
- Product Type Portable speakers with digital player dock
- Width 11.1 in
- Depth 1.7 in
- Height 6 in
Speaker System
- Speaker Type Active
- Magnet Type Neodymium
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Built-in Devices Alarm, Clock, FM radio, Digital player charging dock
- Controls Volume, Power on/off
Speaker System Details
- Speakers Included 2 x Right/left channel speaker
- Driver Details Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Full-range driver - 2 in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Audio line-in, 1 x Docking station
Miscellaneous
- MP3 Player Compatibility iPod (4G), iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano (3G), iPod nano (4G), iPod touch (2G), iPod with video (5G), iPod with color display, iPod nano (aluminum) (2G)
- Included Accessories iPod adapter kit
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Run Time (Up To) 5 hour(s)
Battery
- Type Speaker battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
Manufacturer info
- Altec Lansing
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Altec Lansing products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.alteclansing.com/
- Address:
535 Route 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337-0277 - Phone: 1-866-570-5702
- Fax: 1-570-296-6887
