I kind of like the new inMotion Classic from Altec Lansing. Follow me on this: it’s not just an iPod dock as it has FM radio, the handle doubles as a stand, and it has rechargeable batteries. The only thing I don’t dig about it is the price.
The $149 price seems a little steep. Maybe if the trim was really metal and not plastic, I could see spending the cash thanks to the high-quality material. But it does have a remote, a Class D amp, and works with the iPhone, so I guess the price isn’t all that bad.
Press Release
Altec Lansing Ups the Ante in Portable Audio for iPhone and iPodNew InMotion Classic offers rechargeable battery, FM radio
MILFORD, PA – September 8, 2009 – Altec Lansing, a division of Plantronics, Inc., today introduced the newest member of its inMotion family, the inMotion® Classic (iMT620), which works with iPhone as well as iPod and includes an FM radio tuner. Based on the popular iM600 — one of the best-ever selling portable iPod speaker systems — the inMotion Classic offers advances in portability, audio performance and, of course, iPhone compatibility.
Starting with its rechargeable battery, the inMotion Classic is engineered for portability and versatility, so music enthusiasts can groove anywhere without missing a beat. Compact and lightweight, the inMotion Classic folds to the size of a small book. Its clever multi-function handle serves three important roles: swing up for grab-and-go transport, swing back as a kickstand, and swing under to stow away and turn off the battery.
“Mobility is becoming more and more important ,” said Ed Benforado, Product Category Director for Altec Lansing. “Music lovers want to share their sounds with friends and family on the go. Consumers told us they don’t want to drain their batteries during travel, they don’t want to lose their remote, and they want an easy way to carry the dock. We listened: that’s why the inMotion Classic has automatic shutoff in pack mode, built-in remote control cubby, and 3-position handle.
With a built-in digital FM radio, the inMotion Classic provides entertainment even when your iPhone or iPod is not handy.
“Works with iPhone” certification means interference-free listening, eliminating the need to switch the iPhone to airplane mode. iPhone and iPod devices are automatically charged when the inMotion Classic is plugged into a power outlet.
The inMotion Classic’s advanced remote control features full menu navigation for iPhone and iPod, allowing users to browse artists, songs and playlists directly from the remote. The high-contrast LCD always lets you know the song details from afar.
The inMotion Classic utilizes proprietary Audio Alignment™ craftsmanship to deliver a balanced, authentic sound. Expanded Sound Stage technology enhances the stereo listening experience by widening the sound field at the touch of a button. Custom-built, dual 3-inch neodymium drivers throw out clear, powerful sound with the quality that Altec Lansing fans have come to expect.
Features
Versatile Handle – Swing back for a kick stand, swing up to grab and go, tuck away to pack.
Digital FM Radio – Tune in with a retractable antenna, LCD display and station presets.
Rechargeable battery – Five hours of rechargeable freedom.
Full-feature remote –Complete control over menu and music options.
Audio Alignment™ – Drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
Clear, digital sound pushing full, pulsing bass – Digital signal processing technology delivers thumping bass.
Expanded Sound Stage – Project your music far and wide.
High-contrast LCD – Always know your beat. Track, artist, album and station display.
Music Pause – Automatically pauses music when a call is received on the iPhone.
Interference Free – Unique design is immune to mobile phone interference, eliminating the need to switch to airplane mode.
Auxiliary input – Switch it up by connecting a second audio source.
Universal dock for iPhone and iPod – Recharges while it plays your tunes.
Compact and lightweight – Easy to carry, easy to use.
Remote cubby – Stow the remote away.
Onboard controls – Power, audio source, volume, FM radio and song navigation.Pricing and Availability
The Altec Lansing inMotion Classic (iMT620) will be available in mid-September at Best Buy, Apple retail stores and Apple.com, Amazon.com, ToysRUs and other leading consumer electronics retailers, as well as at www.alteclansing.com. MSRP is US$149.95.For more information on the complete Fall 2009 audio collection from Altec Lansing, visit www.alteclansing.com.