Looking for the best way to play your music out loud? iPods and iPhones are a very common gadget we own and the best way to get the most out of those is with a docking station! Altec Lansing provides us with this Digital Boombox model, on sale on Amazon for only $199.99! This docking station supplies you with a stylish and impressive system for making your music loud and packs stereo speakers together with a 5.25-Inch subwoofer to blast the noise the way you like it. Bass is an understatement here, and this system is part proof. It includes battery power as well as AV power so you have a choice between portability and of course a remote control for distant volume/song changes when you need them. At about $100 off this is a deal not to miss!

Score this iPod speaker system for just $199.99

Last week I took a look at Altec Lansing’s iMT630 Portable speaker.  And today, to complement that, I’m reviewing the inMotion Air.  And like it’s smaller brother, it too sports a 7 hour battery life, though instead of a 30-pin dock you’ll have the option of connecting to it via Bluetooth or using the included USB stick that plugs into your computer.

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On top of the device are a set of controls allow for pairing your Bluetooth device as well as controlling playback and volume.  Hidden in the back is a handle for carrying the speaker as well as a remote that stores away in a threaded slot.  The remote works well for performing standard iPod controls and changing volume, but keep in mind it won’t work from another room (there is Apple’s iOS Remote for that, provided your streaming music from your computer).

For those who prefer a wired experience there is an AUX input, though the included wireless options are surely enough to satiate even those without the latest smartphone or computer thanks to the included USB stick which provides a wireless range of up to 300 feet.  While I didn’t test the truth of that figure to the maximum, I had no problem streaming music throughout the house and Bluetooth worked very well despite it boasting a much shorter range.  That said, there is a headphone jack output on the USB dongle for adding a second set of speakers, though that hardly seems necessary since you can stream music to two of these at the same time. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive a second inMotion Air to test this and since Bluetooth doesn’t support dual streaming, it will have to be done using the included USB adapter for the computer.

For the most part the inMotion Air is just a plastic box.  So fair to say, it is underwhelming from an aesthetic standpoint.  But, it is simple enough that it will blend into just about any scenario, though I’d recommend the Black version since that might be a bit more innocuous than the gray.  Behind the grill are two 3-inch drivers that produce room filling sound.  In fact, I was pretty taken back by the sound quality of the inMotion Air despite being connected to the device over Bluetooth. So suffice to say, the look of the speaker manages expectations and far exceeded mine when it came to its sonic output.  However, it does lack bass kicking sound, but that is largely a reflection of the inMotion Air’s small size, which is just 13.2” (W) x 3.5” (D) x 4.1” (H).  So all together, I was pretty pleased with the sonic capabilities of the inMotion Air.

At the end of the day there are a variety of Bluetooth speakers on the market.  While there is no speaker phone option, as found in the Jambox, the inMotion Air is produces pretty kicking sound for a portable, rechargeable speaker.  Fold in the USB dongle for streaming tunes long distance (up to 300 feet) from your computer and there is hardly a wireless speaker on the market that can compete.  Just take note that it won’t kick out the same sound quality and range as some wired speakers of the same price ($199) and lacks an iOS dock.

Bottom Line: Convenience over sound quality makes this speaker a winner in my book, though it most certainly sonically stands tall despite its small size.

Editor’s Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Pros:

• Portable wirelessly speaker with a 7 hour rechargeable battery
• Built-in remote and USB dongle for wireless music from your computer
• Holds it own sonically despite small size and portability

What’s it gonna take to get everyone board with an iPhone? I ponder this question and then I get a shiver of fear wavering through my body as imagine a hoard of drones wandering the Earth in need of a 30-pin dock to charge their handset. That said, thank god for Android phones, which aren’t excluded from working with Altec Lansing’s portable speaker dock for the iPhone, the iMT630.

This battery powered iMT630 portable speaker is an understated pleasure that no doubt has passed over, or perhaps even under the gaze of a many consumer. It’s too bad, because its sonic abilities and feature set warrants a look by anyone in the market for a portable speaker for their smartphone.

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Hidden on the face of the iMT630 is an ever so small spring loaded 30-pin dock. Push it and it ejects from the speaker’s grill allowing you to dock your iPhone and pump its tunes through the 2-inch neodymium driven speakers. For those of the non-iOS ilk, there is also a 3.5mm headphone jack in the rear, though once plugged you’ll need to hit the input button, switching from iPod to Aux input. That button is further complemented by a volume rocker, power button and LED light to indicate the input of choice. But the feature set isn’t complete until you look to the rear of this battery powered speaker dock. Flipping up the stand automatically powers down the iMT630, which means you won’t waste precious battery life when it’s stowed away. Flip it down and you’ll reveal the magnetically adhered remote, enabling you to pause, play, skip tracks and adjust volume from afar. And while this may seem like a rather benign feature, consider that most portable speaker docks, if any, don’t include a remote control.

The Altec Lansing’s iMT630′s battery is rated for up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge. And while your mileage will of course vary with how much you prefer to crank your tunes, we found it to be on spec. Charging the device to full capacity takes about 3-4 hours and receives its juice via a micro USB slot. Not the universal standard, but close enough in our book.

Sonically the Altec Lansing iMT630 is very capable, especially considering it’s rather diminutive size, which is measures 12.5″ (W) x 1.5″ (D) x 5.125″ (H) and weighs less than 4 pounds. As with most portable speaker docks, bass was a bit tinny, but nothing below a speaker of a similar class and cost. Amplitude wise the iMT630 is impressive and managed to fill my 8×12 bathroom with enough sound to be enjoyed from up 10-feet away.

While docking an iPad is feasible it’s most certainly not intended, but that’s largely a reflection of this speaker docks size and portability; it would block the speakers and perhaps even fall over from the iPad’s weight. When you run out of juice you can plug it in the wall and use it as a speaker and charger for your iPhone, which means it could play well as a bed side companion. That said, I really can’t find anything negative to say about this dock (Bluetooth would be a nice but unnecessary addition), other than its design leaves something to the imagination and if anything shows that you shouldn’t judge a book, or in this case a speaker, by its cover.

Bottom line: Solid sound quality and amplitude for a battery powered speaker with a magnetically stowed remote and accommodations for non-iOS devices (AUX inputs).

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Pros:

• Battery powered speaker with a excellent amplitude for its size
• Hidden magnetic remote
• Chargers your iPhone when plugged in and their is an AUX input

Cons:

• Won’t work with stand flipped up
• Design leaves something to be desired
• Battery life could be better

Amazon has some special savings available for this Altec Lansing IMT320 inMotion Speaker System!

Looking to get the most out of your iPod/iPhone’s audio playback? A dock has always been a great option but very pricey in the past. Now Amazon is offering a slick discount on the compact Altec Lansing dock setup which packs some impressive sound and support for the latest models of iPod. It’s designed for use on the go and achieves this with a folding speaker cover which doubles as a stand; when folded it’s about the size of a book and easy to take with you. The Altec Lansing name provides for some outstanding quality sound and deep bass so you can hear every nuance of your music just the way you like. Check this out while it lasts at this price.

Best deal on the Net!  Get this speaker dock for $49.99 – $30 instant off.

Altec Lansing didn’t just want to focus on creating a wireless AirPlay speaker for OSK and iOS and decided to make a universal WiFi speaker that can be controlled from a number of devices with its new Live 5000  (MN5000) Wi-Fi All-In-One Speaker System. Users can listen to and control all their favorite music from cloud content or home network in any room

It features two three-inch speakers, two silk dome tweeters, and a four-inch sub with a passive radiator, which are all powered by a tri-amp system. Its Gentile convex curve of the speaker was used for maximum audio clarity and prevents sound waves from canceling each other.

All music is instantly accessed via a downloaded app for your iPhone, Android or desktop and sent to a queue for playback, allowing for users to stream an control content from their existing wireless network to any room in the house. And the free app allows anyone in the household to control the system, no matter what device they have. The app also allows users the ability to browse local and online media sources like Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM and more.

The Altec Lansing LIVE 5000 WiFi Speaker will be available early this summer and will carry a price tag of $499.99

BigsDeals via eBay has a super low price on these Altec Lansing UHP306 Snug-Fit Diaphragm Earphones!

For a limited time you can get some great savings on these very compact and stylish earphones from Altec Lansing. When you’re just looking to get that music in you on the go from a smartphone or other media player it never hurts to have that ease of portability. These little earphone provide that and make it even simpler with the inner-ear design and comfortable tips for long listening sessions. The sound quality is pristine as well, so you can hear every bit of your music or video which is a definite bonus at this price point. There is a cable control clip on there as well, to clip and forget for the walk or train ride and thanks to the handy carrying case they are easy to stow away when not using.

Get these headphones for $22.95 with no shipping cost.

This week has left us with savings on many different fronts. From TVs to digital cameras and even smartphones and speaker equipment there is something there for everyone. Here’s some of the ones that are still alive and stood out in the pack:

10. Altec Lansing M812 WIreless Speaker Dock for iPod – $97

The price on this very handy device has been dropping since we’ve first seen it, and has hit rock bottom at this level. That makes this the perfect time to grab this very handy iPod Dock and Wireless Speaker set from Altec Lansing and get the most out of your iPod. It’s a very handy dock which allows you to not only make your music heard but to allow you to play it anywhere in your home without fumbling with wires and connections.

9. Nintendo Wii Mario Kart Console Bundle – $135

Amazon certainly rolled in the savings for this game system which is still popular and going strong. Whether you were just starting, upgrading or even purchasing as a gift you definitely can’t go wrong for this price. With the console you get a copy of Mario Kart Wii along with the Steering wheel controller add-on and you can even choose if you want the white or black version as they are both the same price.

8. IOmega 34650 ScreenPlay Director 1TB Media Players – $90

Still going strong in the discount zone, don’t forget to grab this feature packed media player from iOmega so you can enjoy all sorts of content from your network, storage devices or even from the Internet all on your home theater system. It of course has full support for HD and plenty of in/outputs for connectivity to any of your equipment without issue. A good media player can definitely make a difference in a home theater setup!

7. AOC Razor E2043FK 20-Inch LED Monitor – Now $80

Yep that’s right, Tiger went and lowered the price once again on this AOC LED monitor. Now you can either begin with or expand your computer display capabilities with a 1600 by 900 HD resolution for plenty of multi-tasking glory. Other features include a 50,000,000:1 intense dynamic contrast ratio and 250 nit brightness level. It is also a very energy efficient model which takes away any future price issues away from your energy bill.

6. Star Wars: The Complete Sage on Blu-Ray – $80

Yes Amazon had to do it, now you can grab the entire Star Wars saga in glorious 1080p! Still relatively new and popular as ever but Amazon holds with their very low price and that works for us. It includes all 6 movies of course along with plenty of bonus features, commentary tracks and deleted scenes to keep any fan veteran or otherwise happy. We imagine the price will raise soon so grab it while it’s still crazy!

5. Asus Eee PC 12.1-Inch Netbook – $308

TigerDirect certainly knows how to throw a bargain. This deal is still alive and kicking and that means you can grab this stylish and sleek netbook PC at the lowest price we’ve seen. It includes a 12.1-Inch display along with AMD Fusion E-350 Processing and 2GBs of DDR3 Memory. It also boasts a very impressive battery life which peaks out at about 8 hours for very easy use no matter where you go, and at a price like this you definitely can’t go wrong!

4. Motorola Droid Bionic With $50 Gift Card – $150

Amazon has stunned us literally with the savings they have on offer for new smartphones, but what really sticks out is their take on the Droid Bionic for Verizon Wireless. This phone is still brand new and offers up very intense features including 4G LTE connectivity, Dual-Core 1Ghz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and more. Other notable details include it’s front-facing VGA camera and high resolution rear camera, 10.8 hours of talk time and plenty of connectivity to laptops and other devices.

3. Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset – $95

We’re very surprised to see that this awesome deal is still around! From ebay you can grab this feature packed Logitech headset at a huge discount. It doesn’t look like many are left as they’ve been selling very fast so assure you get yours as soon as possible. This headset includes many interesting features beyond the super sound quality and that includes the G keys on the side which can be assigned to macros and the microphone which automatically shuts off when pivoted up.

2. Samsung PN51D450 51-Inch Plasma TV with $100 Gift Card – $629

Now here’s a bargain we all should pay attention to. Not only are you able to get this 51-Inch plasma TV from Samsung at the lowest price we’ve seen but you also get a free $100 gift card useable with any other purchase at Dell. To make it even sweeter this TV features a super fast 0.001 ms response time and 600Hz sub-field drive which overall provides crystal clear imagery with no motion blur. Definitely a deal not to miss!

1. Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch Tablet – $364

Here’s the deal that just keeps on giving! Every time we’ve spotted this 7-Inch Blackberry tablet we have seen the price steadily drop, and considering this is a no holds barred tablet providing every feature you need for an ideal portable computing experience that is definitely a bargain. The Playbook is fully capable of playing flash 10.1 content along with HTML 5 and that means a full Internet browsing experience which is charged by the dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM included. Keep your eyes on this one!

Amazon is definitely cutting down the price on this Altec Lansing M812 Octiv Air Wireless Speaker System with Dock for iPod!

Here’s the price that just keeps on dropping! Here’s the best way to enjoy music off of your iPod from pretty much anywhere in your home. When connected to the dock you are able to stream your music to the completely wireless speaker which you can place anywhere you like for optimal listening. The speaker itself features stunning sound quality which comes from its 4-inch drivers and 1-inch tweeters. Thanks to its sleek fingertip remote you have control over your music from anywhere else in the room and that just makes your musical life that much easier. The speaker itself is capable of connecting with other wireless speakers to give you a multi-room broadcast of your music. That is certainly taking your iPod to the next level!

76% off this system makes the price just $97.34.  That’s $302.61 in savings.  S&H is included

If you’re in search of an iPod or iPhone dock, then you can add Altec Lansing’s Octiv 650 to the long list.  Unlike the Octiv Stage we reviewed a few months ago, Altec Lansing has decided to make this one an iPhone/iPod only affair and has included a set of composite and component outputs for watching YouTube and Netflix on the big screen in full resolution.  For those that arrive to the party late (double entendre) they’ve also packed in aux input for non Apple devices, as well as a remote for manipulating volume and such from a far.  And let’s not forget the accompanying mood app with EQ that works in tandem with the two 3″ full-range drivers and a nested 4″ subwoofer.

The Octive 650 will be available this May for $199.95.

BRING YOUR LIVING ROOM TO LIFE WITH ALTEC LANSING’S NEW OCTIV 650 SPEAKER SYSTEM

The Octiv 650 Transforms Any Space into an Oasis of Ambient Sound and Visual Stimulation

MILFORD, PA – April 5, 2011 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing introduced the new Octiv 650 docking speaker system for the iPhone and iPod touch, marrying minimalist design with powerful performance. Destined to be an integral piece for any living space, the Octiv 650 delivers broad spectrum audio while displaying full screen video from an iPhone or iPod Touch on a TV screen. Utilizing Altec Lansing’s free Music Mood app, users can unwind with a number of soothing pre-loaded videos and sounds.

“The living room is often used as the hub for entertaining and relaxing. With the new Octiv 650, we’ve created the ultimate sound system to create the perfect environment for any occasion,” said Steve Schlangen, Altec Lansing product manager. “The clear, balanced sound quality that Altec Lansing is known for is combined with the Octiv 650′s video out capabilities to create an ambiance that no other home component system can match.”

Fusion of Sound and Design
With discreet lines and a flat front panel, the unique wedge shape provides room-filling, crystal clear sound without taking up much space. Powerful, well balanced audio is delivered through two 3″ full-range drivers and a nested 4″ subwoofer for deep bass. The attractive yet simple design blends seamlessly with almost any décor.

To enjoy streaming video with immersive audio, users can watch full screen Netflix™ movies and YouTube™ videos on a television from an iPhone or iPod Touch using the Octiv 650 component and composite video out jacks while enjoying superior sound quality. For greater song selection and to further expand home theater versatility, a second audio device can be added through the auxiliary input. A full-featured remote lets users control the audio and navigate their device from across the room. To help ensure a call is never missed, the Octiv 650 automatically pauses when a call is received on an iPhone.

Set the Mood
No matter what the desired mood, the Octiv 650 can help set the tone with Altec Lansing’s free Music Mood app. Users can watch and listen to a number of serene videos and sounds such as a crackling fireplace or a calming river stream with the app’s Ambient Sound and Visual Library. For additional customization, the user can pair each video to their audio counterpart and let the full package work its magic.

Also included within the Music Mood app is a graphic equalizer (EQ). From basic and preset options to a more advanced seven-band graphic EQ, customized sound can be saved and accessed at the user’s discretion.

Availability and Pricing
The Altec Lansing Octiv 650 will be available in May 2011 at www.alteclansing.com in black and slate. MSRP is $199.95.

Deal expires 2/7

3.5 out of 5 stars

Pros:

• Great bed side companion to the iPad
• Dock rotates 90 degrees left and right
• Aux input for non iProducts

Cons:

• Sonic abilities just ok in this price range ($149.99)
• Dock connector has a tendency to disconnect when jostled
• Remotes additional menu buttons are pretty much useless

Altec Lansing’s Octiv Stage is a simple as pie speaker dock system for the iPad.  The base of the dock contains two 2-inch full-range neodymium drivers hidden behind a mesh grill. A set of buttons (power, volume +/-) along with a power indicating LED light runs along the trim of the Octiv Stage.  On the back you’ll find a power port and Aux input for other devices that don’t sport a 30-pin dock.  While intended for use with the iPad – there is an oversized cradle that rotates 90 degrees to accommodate the tablet device – iPhone’s and iPods will also work.

Unlike some recently reviewed docks this one doesn’t include an accompanying app, at least not one that is specific to the device.  However, Altec Lansing does offer two iPhone apps (Alarm Rock and Music Mix) that if one so chooses could be used with the Octiv Stage.  With that said, the feature set of the device doesn’t extend beyond the already mentioned buttons (it power/recharges any docked devices), which depending on your penchant for complexity may be a good or bad thing.  That leaves me with little to review; sound and build quality.

While the Octiv Stage is far from a bass thumping system – the iA100, Sound Platform and Tango TRX all outperformed the device in sonic abilities – the Octiv Stage does pull enough weight to provide some convenience in your every day life.  For instance, me and some family members sat about 6 feet away one morning and listened to the morning news using the iPad’s NPR app.  The Octiv Stage’s sonic capabilities might be best described as sufficient, but most certainly won’t serve as an appropriate device in the event of a 20+ person party.

The design of the Octiv Stage probably best plays to that as a bed side companion.  It’s foot print measures only slightly wider than the iPad and is heavy enough to prevent the whole system (iPad docked) from toppling over even from the most heavy handed of users.  The cradle is your basic ABS plastic and has been molded to perfection to fit the iPad – inserting the tablet takes little effort.  Occasionally the dock’s connection can be a bit iffy and any sudden jolts, such as relocating the device and placing it down, can result in a disconnection, though physically the iPad was still very much be docked.  Slightly removing and reinserting the iPad resolved this problem and since most people won’t be moving the device with the iPad in place I don’t see this as a concern.

Altec Lansing includes a pocket sized infrared remote for controlling both the volume and power of the device, as well as the iPad’s iPod from afar.  The additional iPod controls (menu up/down/left and menu) worked to navigate to a song but that’s it.  Hitting the actual Menu button did nothing while playing a track, and unlike the other controls these functions were slow to respond, which is more a result of the iPod player than the Octiv Stage.  The other controls, power and volume, worked with no issue, provided of course I had line of sight to the device.

At $149.99 the Octiv Stage is no drop in the financial bucket.  Sonically it lacks the gusto we’ve seen from other comparably priced docks, though on the flip side (pun intended) it accommodates the iPad in ways others haven’t, such as the ability to rotate the iPad from landscape to portrait mode.

The Altec Lansing can be bought from Amazon for $149.95 or from one of the vendors below.

Amazon reviews are a bit mixed, but for the most part solid.

Before you skip ahead on this post – you know, since it’s another iPod dock – consider this: you can Shuffle music from both iPod docks.  Cool, huh?  The Altec Lansing Octiv Duo of course charges both devices at the same time and has a USB port for 3rd party devices.  You’ll need to download Altec’s Music Mix app from the iTunes store if you want to shuffle from both players, though.

The wedge shaped design means you can stuff it neatly into a corner.  And speaking of which that back wedge has a slot for storing the remote.

It retails for $100 and will “arrive soon”.

Read

It’s $69.99 – $20 coupon (XFU5311) + $7.77 shipping = $57.76!

Altec Lansing looks to be focusing on the collegiate age group, since most of their site’s products have a school-age slant to them. Their new Octiv Mini is no exception. The Octiv Mini is a space saving iPod Dock perfectly suited for small dorm rooms and other cramped spaces. Despite its size, it’s supposed to be packing some pretty heavy power. Altec Lansing is releasing a free Alarm Clock App for users, called Alarm Rock for some reason, for the Mini that lets you program wake-up songs, so you don’t miss that big test tomorrow.

The Octiv Mini is available in July for $60.

SMALL IN SIZE, BIG ON SOUND: ALTEC LANSING INTRODUCES NEW OCTIV MINI MULTI-FUNCTION AUDIO DOCK

Altec Lansing Octiv Mini Delivers Exceptional Audio Quality Plus Free Full-Featured iPhone Alarm App

MILFORD, PA – JUNE 22, 2010 – Altec Lansing today introduced the space saving Octiv Mini (M102) audio dock to give iPhone and iPod users a versatile way to charge their devices while enjoying crystal clear sound. At home, in the dorm or at work, the Octiv Mini pulls double-duty as a functional alarm clock when combined with the free new Altec Lansing custom Alarm Rock app.

Whether charging up, rocking out or waking up, the Octiv Mini delivers the amazing audio quality that is a hallmark of Altec Lansing products. Pound for pound, the Octiv Mini holds its own against bulkier speaker systems, and is even more appealing when considering similarly priced stand-alone chargers. Included is the free Alarm Rock app* for the iPhone and iPod which acts as a full-featured digital alarm clock complete with time display and an oversized snooze button. The Altec Lansing Alarm Rock app is available in the iTunes app store as a free download. Users can choose to wake or sleep to their favorite audio files and songs while enjoying a fully customizable interface to match even the most eclectic taste.

“Because the Octiv Mini functions as a dock, a charger and an alarm clock with the included app, it represents an amazing value that will be appreciated by those who will not compromise on sound quality for a smaller footprint,” stated Steve Schlangen, Altec Lansing product manager. “Music is an integral part of life for many people and we’re making it easy for users to experience great sound in a small package or wake up immersed in their favorite music.”
Catch a Glimpse of the Mini at 2010 Vans Warped Tour

The Octiv Mini, along with select products from Altec Lansing’s line of premiere audio equipment, will be travelling throughout North America with the 2010 Warped Tour kicking off in Los Angeles on June 25th. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Altec Lansing tent to experience first hand the decades of musical experience and heritage Altec Lansing injects into speaker products. Exclusive acoustic performances, autograph signings and fan vs. band Rock Band contests will be hosted all summer long at the Altec Lansing tent. Additionally, the Altec Lansing stage will host a variety of up-and-coming acts from the mainstream to the underground.

Octiv Mini features include:

Listen without interference – Certified to work with iPhone and iPod
Modern minimalist design for any space – At approximately four inches wide and five inches deep, little room is needed
Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
For additional specs and images go to: http://www.alteclansing.com/M102
Availability and Pricing
The Altec Lansing Octiv Mini audio dock will be available in July 2010 at retailers such as Best Buy and www.alteclansing.com. MSRP is US $59.95. The Alarm Rock app is available now for free at the Apple iTunes store.

About Altec Lansing

For more than 70 years Altec Lansing has been viewed among audiophiles as one of the world’s most valuable and innovative audio brands and boasts a unique history of innovation that includes the introduction of first talkie film speakers, the first iPod docking station and the first “Works with iPhone” speaker system. Altec Lansing makes a wide range of audio systems for the home and office; a line of headphones for personal listening; and the popular line of inMotion speaker systems for portable digital players. Altec Lansing LLC is headquartered in Milford, PA.

Electronics Expo has it for $105.88 – $28.88 (Coupon: LSDA0610) + $7.99 shipping = $84.99!

COUPON: LSDA0610 EXPIRES 6/20.