Home > Consumer Reviews > Altec Lansing inMotion iMmini Portable Audio System for iPod Mini

This set of speakers for the iPod mini is very portable, and works well in a small space. The sound is not powerful enough to really blast, though, and at the high end of the volume the music is a bit distorted. If you don't need big sound, it works well. I also like how it recharges the iPod when the speakers are plugged in.

I bought this on sale for $27 USD and free (fast) shipping. This price point colors my review. Smart fold-away design, intelligent auto-off feature, compact, sturdy feel, nice set of international plug adapters and accessories, (flat, mid-rangy speaker sound is the predominant weakness). Before being overly critical of the speaker sound, (and after now in my 6th hour of ownership having cued through several types of music to obtain a speaker performance sampling), I keep in mind a couple things. (1) This is not a Bose outfit, ok, and it will never be. Once I'm past that trauma, I move to number two: (2) This model is composed of earlier technology (built for the Ipod Mini, however it is compatible with many IPODS including 20 GB 4th GEN clickwheel and Nano (and this versatility feature is a feather in the cap; (3) Truly excellent sound requires juice. With this model, Altec-Lansing has struck a fairly reasonable balance between clarity of sound and longeivity of play (claims 24 hours on 4 AAs which is not bad at all though I haven't tested it yet). It is clear that, even with its limitations, the overall neatness and reasonability of this unit will grow on you. Bottom line - the Altec Lansing inMotion is what it is - a well formulated portable Ipod speaker system that works well and as intended. With (4) AAs as your power source, don't expect a party DJ machine. Don't expect delineated highs. Do expect a fairly clean [midrange] listening experience with virtually no hiss. The good news is that the product can be purchased significantly below its $129.99 retail, like mine for $27 USD. Makes it all the sweeter.

.... maybe because it's first generation;

(1) It's a complete battery hog in spite of A-L's claims for long life. AA's last a couple of hours at most. Get rechargeable batteries, but even then you may have problems
(2) 9 volt power plug-in doesn't work. I Had to call A-L for a replacement
(3) I bought some rechargeable high-power NiMH batteries at the suggestion of A-L customer support. It' still not enough power. The unit auto shuts-off after 3 minutes.

(4) It's going back to A-L for replacement. They are giving me a full replacement. Hopefully, it will work better.

(5) Sound is very good...when it works

A-L support was great, but overall, I am not happy with this product.

I bought this elsewhere and paid a lot more for it. The unit is very well designed; fit and finish are excellent; and it performs well. At higher volumes, there is distortion. If not for that, I'd rate it 5 stars.

This is a nice little sound system for the price. It is loud enough to fill a small room, and works great on a nightstand or desk. The speakers did not come with a remote, but the Griffin iClick (Amazon/Office Depot $14.99) works well with the Altec Lansing system. The only downside is that the remote will not control the iPod's volume when it is attached. Overall a good buy!