Altec Lansing inMotion iM3C Portable Audio System for iPod (White)
By: Altec Lansing Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 103
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 On: 2008-05-14
I received these speakers as a gift. The sound is pretty good and the volume gets real high, especially for indoors. Perfect for entertaining some friends indoors and especially outdoors with its portable feature. The speakers fold in half and fit anywhere. I currently use them as my computer speakers. The only downside is that these small speakers cant produce much base, but other than that, I love them and they seem like they are going to last forever. The little remote is a nice little accessory with a decent range except for when it has low battery. As portable speakers it can play all day on one set of batteries.
 On: 2008-02-08
Sound - okay, nothing to brag about, kind of tinny, but I didnt expect much. The remote wouldnt track forward or back. I was still intrigued, but what broke the deal was when I removed my nano ipod from the dock - it went blank and I had to restore it. A little unsettling. Made me leary of using it again, but I did (positive thinking) and the same thing happened. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice... Its going back and Ill try the Sonic dock/speakers instead.
 On: 2008-01-18
I purchased this item for my apartment home and the sound is very good. The set-up was simple and I have no complaints.
On: 2008-01-15
I purchased the IM3C for husband when we noticed during a recent trip abroad that we had no way of listening to music in our hotel room. We plugged it in on Chrismas day for our holiday party and it worked great and delivered great sound and significant volume for such a small, well priced unit while providing great design. It folds up so small and flat for travel and comes with plug adapters (for use internationally) and a travel case plus an a/c adapter. The I Pod unit clicks into the front of the unit and takes up so little space then the unit folds flat for storage. Ive seen other travel speaker systems that are bulky and poorly designed and this one has a much better design and the fact that it charges the I Pod while its attached means that you can leave your charger at home. This system was a hit and Im glad I went with this model.
On: 2007-12-07
We are very pleased with the speakers good sound reproduction.Excellent for travel,I can listen to my music anywhere.
On: 2007-11-25
Admittedly, Im a fan of Altec Lansing products anyway, but this little unit was a terrific purchase for my daughters iPod. Lightweight, simple but nicely manufactured design with good sound quality. Not a big booming sound capability, but this unit not marketed that way. Very good small/medium room sound, but lacks the power for capable outdoor use. I like the AC and battery power options. Came with a small IR remote, which works okay, but nothing spectacular. Easy to fold up and transport. Battery life is good, but not great. Liked the sound & quality of this iPod speaker well enough that I bought another Altec Lansing iPod speaker for my wifes iPod Mini. Very satisfied with both devices.
On: 2007-10-27
Probably THE best battery-powered iPod speaker set on the market at time of writing. Sound is as loud and clear as 2W RMS speakers can deliver, and the battery life seems good.
Very small portable unit - works with all iPods to date.
Only two things that stop me giving it 5 stars:
The cradle isnt a true universal cradle in that it will not fit ipods with skins [iSkin etc] on - youll have to pop your pod out to fit in.
The remote control is a bit weak in range/direction/reliability but this isnt exactly the selling point of the unit
My unit did have a faulty power adapter included but they shipped me a new one no questions asked and I had it in less than a week - it works perfectly now. I spent some time researching these units, and this is/was the best.
I also have its larger brother the M602 - that is probably the best mains-powered ipod speaker set out now.
On: 2007-09-27
The Altec Lansing inMotion audio system for i-pods is a fabulous, compact speaker system. the sound is incredible given the size and I occasionally use it at home when I am moving about the house or sitting on the porch. It is easy to pack and given the usual miserable radios provided in most hotels, it is a great comfort when travelling. It is easy to use once you figure out how to open it! The instructions, as usual, are poor and it takes some manipulation but once you hvae done it for the first time its easy.
On: 2007-09-19
I was very pleased with this product simply because it has attachments to fit all iPods. The iPod I wanted to use for these speakers was the first model made and I was worried that many of the speaker systems would only work with the newer iPod models. This one works great and charges my iPod while playing which is great. I use it in my nursery and it is very compact with clear sound. I would definetely recommend this product!
On: 2007-08-24
Its really confortable to transport but its not funtional with high volume in open or big places. Its perfect to use in small apartments, rooms, or even open places as a musical background.
On: 2007-08-17
I purchased this item for my daughters birthday. She loves it. She says it has great volume and sound and the remote has worked with no problem. She especially loves the carrying case, since she transports it to work and back.
On: 2007-08-10
Overall I am happy with this product. I like the carring case and remote. I use the speakers at work in my studio salon so I dont really know how loud they get. I have to keep the music at a repectable level but they sound great.
On: 2007-08-09
Good sound, especially for the size and price. Very happy with it in our kitchen.
On: 2007-07-14
I bought this unit to take on a recent trip to Italy and France. The universal current and set of international plugs are a huge advantage, and it worked every place I used it. Nice sound, although it distorts a little at higher volume. But it folds up to a nice flat form factor that fits easily into luggage. I am very happy with it and commend it to you.
On: 2007-07-11
I loved my Altec Lansing iM3 speakers. They gave very good sound considering their size, were extremely portable and compact, recharged my iPod while playing, and had an international converter. I rarely used the batteries or remote so cannot comment on that.
However, the unit suddenly died about 18 months after purchase, right in the middle of a song. I know modern day electronics are not built for lifetime, but 18 months seems a little short. I am very sorry to see this unit stop functioning, as I used it every day playing music at work for hours.
I now am trying to decide whether to replace this unit with another iM3 or a Logitech mm50.
On: 2007-07-10
I have an earlier version of this product and just updated my ipod to a 30 gb model, and added this to go along with it. Same great performance at a good price.
On: 2007-07-04
I have had this product for over a year and am very happy with it. I travel a lot and this unit folds flat and travels well - very durable. It goes into checked bags and comes through like a trooper. It provides great sound my hotel rooms and also keeps my ipod charged. I like the ability to use battery or power to charge up.
On: 2007-06-27
This product is great. I was really impressed with the speakers. They are pretty loud. We take it out on the river, so we dont have to use the radio on the boat and wear down the battery on the boat. The only thing I dont like is that I have rechargeable batteries for the speakers and they seem to only last 2 1/2 hours. They are brand new batteries, so I know they are good. I guess it just takes alot of juice to run it. Other than that I really like the speakers.
On: 2007-06-27
Great little speaker set. It charges and plays my ipod. I never use my charge cord unless I am syncing my ipod. The sound quality is good, excellent really when you consider the price. Folds flat, and has a nice carrying case. Very portable. All and all I am very pleased with this purchase.
On: 2007-06-16
Please disregard my rating on the speakers. I just ordered them today and so have not tried them yet. However, I noticed that several reviewers complained that the IM3 did NOT come with an adaptor suited to their 2nd generation Nano. FYI, I visited the Altec Lansing website and found that they specifically anticipated this, and you can, from their website, order this adaptor at NO charge (no shipping cost, either). One caveat: I just did this a few minutes ago, so I cannot assure you that Altec Lansing will deliver, nor tell you how soon. When the adaptor arrives, Ill update this comment. (I read another comment from someone who said you can CALL Altec Lansing and order the adaptor.)
On: 2007-06-08
This isnt a world-changing product, but its simple and gets the job done. Just dock your iPod, and the system will charge it and allow basic controls (play / pause / volume / etc) via the remote control. Sound quality is average -- pretty much what youd expect from small speakers. Doesnt allow full functionality (browsing genres, etc.) of the iPod from the remote, but functions great as a simple way to play your iPod in different locations, without needing to connect fully to an AV system. Easy to transport and comes with a protective bag.
On: 2007-05-17
A student of mine recommended this item; I purchesed it for my office and Ive been very pleased with the sound and the look. On Fridays I can easily pack it up in my breafcase and take it home where I play it outside while doing yardwork; the sound is clear and carries nicely over the distance of my yard. I also take it on vacation; it packs in a small space, charges my iPod at hotels and has much better sound than most in-room radios.
When this first came out the selection for these type of docks was limited; now that everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, this item still holds up in terms of quality and value; I purchesed a second one as a gift recently. Recommended.
On: 2007-05-13
I was skeptical with such a low price, but was plesantly surprised at the quality of sound! Easy to use, easy to transport, great sound - what more could you want?
On: 2007-05-07
This unit is perfect for traveling with your music. Comes with a case that holds all the parts and pieces and folds flat to easily fit in a suitcase. Sound is not going to rock the house (definitely lacking any real base), but certainly does the trick for music on the go.
On: 2007-05-07
I love this little player. It takes up no space on my desk or suitcase and allows me to get rid of those uncomfortable IPOD ear buds. Although the speakers arent surround sound, they do for up close and personal listening which is what Im using them for.
 On: 2007-04-04
Speakers worked well for a while, and I didnt use them every day, however they shorted out one day from static electricity and havent worked since. I called Altec Lansing and they said that they are made to be replaced, not repaired.
On: 2007-03-22
very good speaker quality for the size, also extremely easy to use, just plug and play
On: 2007-03-21
very good speaker quality for the size, also extremely easy to use, just plug and play
On: 2007-03-20
It works as advertised. The sound quality is adequate, the volume is excellent, and the design attractive.
On: 2007-03-14
Ive used this for several years, almost every day. When I was shopping for this product, I went to stores and listened to the quality of the sound from several different similar models. This one had the best sound quality for its size and portability. Its gone to China, Mexico, France and all over the US. Works great everywhere. Friends were so impressed they bought one too and use it for music in their kitchen.
On: 2007-03-10
The audio system is a nice addition for my ipod. Sound is good, traveling case could be a little bit bigger.
On: 2007-03-08
Good things do come in small packages. But dont expect 10" woofer bass. Easy to use and great when traveling.
On: 2007-02-21
I purchased this unit to travel with, so I wanted something compact and lightweight. This is it! I looked for a long time at this unit, the Logitech MM50 and the Tivoli Audio iSongbook and finally decided on this one because it will fit into almost any carry-on luggage, it comes with several different plugs for outlets all over the world, is lighter in weight, and will take regular batteries. Yes, I know the MM50s and iSongbook probably have better stereo separation, but Im not looking to try to duplicate my home listening experience with Magnepan speakers. I liked the iSongbook, but finally decided it was too bulky for travel and too burdensome for use in a rental car that didnt have an MP3 jack. This units compactness and light weight (15 ounces) finally tipped the scales in its favor. Besides, its two hundred dollars cheaper than the iSongbook. Love it! Sounds great and works just fine with my 80GB iPod!
 On: 2007-02-12
this is the 2nd item in a row that amazon has shipped the wrong thing over. Instead of getting the Lansing Altec speakers, I recieved some cheap knock off that has terrible static. Amazon banks on the fact that you wont pay for return shipping. I am very unhappy with my purchase and doubt I would waste my money on anything else from Amazon ever again.
On: 2007-01-18
This is worth the $$. Produces good sound for its size. Convenient and good for office or taking on road trips.
On: 2007-01-16
The boyfriend absolutely loves it. It is compact and folds up as well. the sound quality is excellent. Very easy to use and user friendly
On: 2007-01-10
I did as much as I could to find a good speaker system for an IPOD with a budget in mind. I have Altec speakers for my PC and I love them. It was a gift so I can not give first hand input.Sorry !
On: 2007-01-10
I bought this as a Christmas gift for my 15 years old son and he thinks its Awesome! We used it while away camping over the New Year and it worked brilliantly.
We also used it as an outlet speaker for our portable DVD player so we didnt have to wear earphones - awesome. Would recommend it to anyone.
One very slight problem - the Ipod doesnt fit EXACTLY snug so he puts his soft protector behind it and that works fine. This is a plus for me as it means he doesnt loose the protector too! LOL
On: 2007-01-10
It is ok but certainly not for a real music lover. It is not very powerful and distorts bass.
On: 2007-01-10
This is a great deal for the $. It doesnt have the smoothness of the Bose, but it is about 33% of the cost of the Bose. The portability is great for road trips. With the IPOD and this system you have a great way to take your fave tunage to any location, either with AC adapter or batteries.
Highly recommended as the #1 accessory for your IPOD
On: 2007-01-10
I bought this for my boyfriend and we both love it...Its great if youre at home or traveling. We went out of town the week after I gave it to him and it was nice to have music that we wanted to hear in the hotel room while we were getting ready. The sound is actually pretty good too. I recommend this to anyone!
On: 2007-01-10
I use this with my work. Im in labor & delivery and the Mothers love the quiet music I play. The portability is great and I love the remote. I can be in another part of the room and if need I can adjust sound and song easily. Would I purchase this again? YES
On: 2007-01-09
This was a gift and my daughter in law loved it! Fast shipping was really appreciated.
On: 2007-01-09
I had purchased this product a year ago and am thrilled with the quality of the sound for such a small product! I liked it so much I purchased one for each of my daughters this christmas so I can have mine back! It folds up nicely and is easy to transport on vacation,etc. WELL worth the cost- no need to pay for the "big names" if youre looking for quality without the higher ticket price.
On: 2007-01-09
These speakers are great!
MUCH less expensive than Bose and really almost just as good. Best yet it folds up so you can take it along with you on vacation, etc. and never be without all your favorite music!
I highly recommend!
On: 2007-01-06
When I bought these speakers I bought them for a few reasons: compact size, portability, ability to use batteries and ability to charge my iPod while on the road. I use them more than I thought I would and they have been great. I have noticed the sound gets distorted at high volumes (this started happening a few months ago). Its a big plus to have the different plugs to use in other countries. I use these speakers approximately 2 hours per day and am constantly plugging and unplugging them and moving them around, and thus far have experienced none of the problems other reviewers have had.
On: 2007-01-04
We have brought this on a two week vacation to Bora Bora and packed many batteries because everyone said that batteries didnt really last. We found that we only replaced the batteries a few times! One new set of batteries lasted for 24+ hours. The sound was good, it was small, very portable, and we are really happy with our purchase. We would definitely recommend it.
On: 2007-01-03
I bought the Altec Langsing inMotion for the mini ipod about 1.5 years ago and am very satisfied with the with the sound quality it produces for the compact size. Unfortantely, the inMotion for the mini ipod only works with the mini and shuffle and since I just purchased the 80gig 5.5 Generation Ipod so I purchased the IM3C (I got it in black) as well. The IM3C arrived today and Im listening to it right now. First off, its not a Bose quality system and that is not what Im looking for in a portable audio system. I like something I bring (carry on) when I travel on vacation and for business. I dont check luggage (have the 311 down to a science) and this fits nicely into my laptop bag or backpack. It had to be small, compact-my #1 and #2 decision factors. It sounds great so far and no complaints. I purchased mine on Ebay for $66 brand new. Comes with a remote control (which I probably wont use) and every adapter for different countries. It comes with a small carrying case as well. Has volume up and down right on front with a power on/off next to the volume. I wish it had the plastic covering case like the my one for the mini ipod has but its not a big deal.
Overall, if your looking for nice, compact, good quality sound portable unit, the IM3C is a good bang for the buck. Great for sitting at the desk, out in the back yard, hotel, beach, in the garage, bathroom, or where ever you like listening music. Im only using these examples because thats where I have used it.
My girfriend bought me the JBL Onstadge 2 for Xmas but it was too bulky so I returned it and got the IM3C (got a $130 gift card from Best Buy and bought the IM3C on Ebay for $66. Made out good!!)
I give it a 5 star because it met all my expectations I was looking for with this purchase.
On: 2006-12-27
So, I purchased the IM3C BLK (Black) for my mother-in-law to go along with the new iPod Nano that we also purchased for her. In the store the speakers sounded exceptional considering the size and price point. The system was very easy to set up with one important exception. The unit came with adaptors for several iPod models including, supposedly, the Nano. What I found however, was that the Nano adaptor wouldnt except the Nano. The Nano fit in the hole but once the adaptor was attached it did not. Upon closer inspection it was easy to see that the adaptor was designed for the previous Nano model not the latest. 3rd party acceessory manufacturers need to stay on top of the changes Apple makes.
As a long time Apple user I too get frustrated at their constant model updates as much as I get excited by them. Im sure anyone who bought the original titanium laptop can attest to the frustration felt when just closing it scratched the screen up or the hinges broke just from opening and closing the thing! But, Apple learns from its mistakes. I hope manufacturers can keep up with them.
Luckily, while its not as sturdy as using the adaptor would be, the Nano can still be plugged into the unit as is. Even though Im not an Il Divo fan, I must admit they sound pretty good on the IM3.
On: 2006-12-01
I purchased this unit for my sons Nano. The first week, we were very impressed with the sound and the portability. After a week, the connection between the Ipod and the unit became very weak and now the we can not get sound out of the speakers. Back to the store we go....
On: 2006-11-25
We bought this to play music in the nursery when our twins were born 6 months ago.
It has been plugged in with the AC adapter and on constantly playing for 6 months day and night. We never had any problems and it is working well with good sound.
The remote has a short range and not very useful. Overall very good quality and well made, durable product.
On: 2006-11-12
The iM3c was a gift - looked like a great little portable stereo for my Pod. First used it on a trip. Started off playing ok and then the sound cut in and out. Frustrated me for the week as I didnt know if it would play or not on any given day. When it did play it was ok but not great. Finally, it didnt play anymore.
Returned it to the Apple Store where purchased to find that there was only a 15 day return policy and I missed it by 2 days. So, I tried to contact Altec Lansing. The phone number in the owners book didnt work although I tried for several days. Then I emailed the Altec support email. No response after two emails.
Sometimes a product doesnt work and its easy to return or get repaired. On this one, it looks like this product will be finding the trash can.
Do not buy.
On: 2006-11-11
Sound quality is very good for small speakers. At high volume the sound can fill a living room and without too much loss of quality. I particularly like its portability and ability to be battery powered. I take it to every room in the house and on all my trips. The battery life seems longer than the previous model. The Amazon price was very competitive.
It is not a substitue for my stereo sysytem but serves the functions I described above very well.
On: 2006-11-11
The iM3c was a gift - looked like a great little portable stereo for my Pod. First used it on a trip. Started off playing ok and then the sound cut in and out. Frustrated me for the week as I didnt know if it would play or not on any given day. When it did play it was ok but not great. Finally, it didnt play anymore.
Returned it to the Apple Store where purchased to find that there was only a 15 day return policy and I missed it by 2 days. So, I tried to contact Altec Lansing. The phone number in the owners book didnt work although I tried for several days. Then I emailed the Altec support email. No response after two emails.
Sometimes a product doesnt work and its easy to return or get repaired. On this one, it looks like this product will be finding the trash can.
Do not buy.
On: 2006-11-10
I am happy with my purchase. I only bought it because I dont like the idea of going deaf listening to loud music through earphones. I would not use this product to entertain at a party, but it serves my needs.
On: 2006-11-10
This is a great deal! The speakers put out a decent amount of sound for their size. Granted, its not a bose system, but it doesnt cost as much as a bose system either. I would recommend this for anyone who wants great sound for a great price!
On: 2006-11-10
I saw this audio system attached to my daughters computer and thought it was the coolest item. I ordered it the same day. The sound is fine- but it after a few days of using it, it started to constantly snap shut. This isnt great since my ipod was sitting on it at the time. I kept it, but cannot use it with the ipod which is extremely annoying.
On: 2006-11-07
I just recieved my Im3 and am in general impressed. I shopped around and got a pretty good deal ($45) so for that price, Im pleased with what I got. The sound is pretty good, and the remote works well. Since I travel internationally, Im very glad to have the power adaptor set. My biggest issue is that it didnt come with a nano adaptor (either generation) so to use the dock station, its a bit wobbly, and probably not good or either device.
I also recently purchased the GE (jasco) 98909 speaker system (an ebay steal at $15), and while I think the audio is better on the altec lansing, for the right price the GE has a lot of good features including S video out(though the remote is crummy). The setup for the nano and travel case are a lot better. If you can score a deal on either speaker setup, I think youd be pleased. None of these little speaker setups are good for a large room or distances- so keep those expectations real!
One other odd think I noticed is that the alarm hasnt come on in the morning as it did with the GE. User error? Or does the charging function put the ipod into some sort of hibernation? Im not totally willing to give up hope but its not looking good.....
On: 2006-10-10
I bought this thing and it worked great for about three months. Yeah it sounds nice and all that but now it doesnt power up at all. I tried just the batteries-nothing. I tried the power cord-still nothing. I tried taking it back to Target, nothing. Altec Lansing Customer Service wasnt helpful. In the trash it went after I took a baseball bat to it. I need something that works and this did for awhile but it was manufactured horribly and is cheap plastic. I went with JBL and am very satisfied with that.
On: 2006-09-27
I bought these speakers after doing an extensive research on thousands of options for mi Ipod, and unfortunately ended up buying the worst! The "universal" adaptor is so universal that does not work with any kind of plug. The only way the speakers will work is if you use batteries. The sound is not good at all for the price I paid for them.
I have the JBL Stage ones and are way far better for a good value.
On: 2006-09-01
I did a ton of research on portable speakers for traveling. I wanted something that could rely on disposable batteries if necessary, because I didnt want to haul around a charger with me, in some cases.
Sound quality was also an issue.
My impressions of this system:
1. First impression out of the box it struck me as cheaply built and flimsy.
2. Sound quality is pretty good, Id say on par with the stock Apple ear buds that come with the Nano. For $114 Id expect better, though. My friend just bought me a $5 dollar traveling speaker in a zipped up case from Radio Shack that sounds nearly just as good and is pretty damn cool.
3. The remote is great and is about the size of a thin pack of gum.
4. The carrying case is thin and pretty flimsy, but itll keep the system clean, at least.
5. Overall, this is a pretty cool product, but I think its way overpriced. In retrospect I wouldve liked to have paid about $50 or $60 for it. (The older generation inmotion sells for around there, and sounds just as good, in my opinion.)
On: 2006-08-31
Used them on a trip abroad for a full week and it meets my expectations.
Had the older version for a few days (a while back) and was
using old portable walkman speakers up till now.
Portability is just great - the pouch, extra plugs and size. Dont really need the remote as I dont use playlists that much. Sound is as to be expected from these small speakers (yes, you perhaps lack a bit of bass but still plenty for a small appartment or hotelroom).
The one thing I missed was the option to not charge the ipod when docked (like I do have in my car on my Icelink).
On: 2006-08-28
I have had several problems with this product. I listen to music while I sleep and if i ever get a text or a call on my cell phone regardless of the cell phone being on silent, the player picks up the frequency of the call and an extremely loud static noise comes from the speakers about five times louder then how the music is playing. The remote hardly works, it has to be almost directly in line with the receiver. The volume control is limited, the intervals at which it is controlled are large so the desired volume affect is difficult to attain if you want it playing extremely quiet. When it is playing loud also a slight buzz is heard. The springs that allow the player to become portable also wear out quickly so the player doesnt stand up after awhile without u holding it. The only reason i would ever recommend this is because it is cheaper then many other players. If you are looking for anything half decent, then this is the wrong one.
On: 2006-08-27
I have had several problems with this product. I listen to music while I sleep and if i ever get a text or a call on my cell phone regardless of the cell phone being on silent, the player picks up the frequency of the call and an extremely loud static noise comes from the speakers about five times louder then how the music is playing. The remote hardly works, it has to be almost directly in line with the receiver. The volume control is limited, the intervals at which it is controlled are large so the desired volume affect is difficult to attain if you want it playing extremely quiet. When it is playing loud also a slight buzz is heard. The springs that allow the player to become portable also wear out quickly so the player doesnt stand up after awhile without u holding it. The only reason i would ever recommend this is because it is cheaper then many other players. If you are looking for anything half decent, then this is the wrong one.
On: 2006-08-25
The Altec Lansing IM3C player exceeded my expectations. Good sound quality that can fill a large room -- Ive started taking my tunes to the gymnasium where I teach volleyball too.
On: 2006-08-25
They shipped out very quickly and are exactly what I expected (and what was described).
On: 2006-08-19
An outstanding portable speaker system with good bass. The remote is a nice little extra. This is my second inMotion system (the other was first generation)and I am very satisfied with this upgrade.
On: 2006-08-15
After reading the other user reviews, I selected these Lansing speakers. I am delighted. They are small, lightweight, and generate darn good sound quality for something this size. My only complaint is that the hard-shell case must be removed from the iPod in order to plug it into the unit, but thats a small downside to a fine product. Theyre so nice that my wife has started listening to iPod quite often. She just moves the speakers from room to room as needed.
On: 2006-08-12
Sound is perfectly fine -- a remarkable bass reponse for a device its size. Easy to use, easy to store and carry fun to have. (Price is good too!)
On: 2006-08-09
It is great, portable, packs easily, simple to use, surpisingly great sound for such a small object. The remote control is also convenient.
A plus are the different detachable electric "plugs" for out of country travel that are included. Again I have to mention the great sound.
On: 2006-08-09
After looking at several different types of docks, I finally settled on this Altec Lansing dock. The price was about right and from the sounds of other reviewers, it was a good product. I have to agree 100% - the product is compact, but produces great sound for its size. Of course you cant compare it to a full size boom box, but for a bedroom, office, or dorm - its perfect. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
On: 2006-07-27
Big disappointment. The sound only sounds good if you are standing right in front of it. There is almost no bass. While it is portable, the only real use I can see is sitting it on a bedside table.
On: 2006-07-26
Big disappointment. The sound only sounds good if you are standing right in front of it. There is almost no bass. While it is portable, the only real use I can see is sitting it on a bedside table.
On: 2006-07-24
Ever since I purchased the IM3, time and time again I have been pleasantly surprised by the sound coming from these tiny speakers. They dont sound tiny at all. I have an HP 17inch laptop. The sound coming from the IM3 is leagues better than my laptops built in speakers.
Of course you have to keep everything in perspective. These are portable speakers, you cant compare them to desktop systems that come with larger woofers and a sub. The IM3 make great portable speakers I can take anywhere.
On: 2006-07-21
I own the Altec Lansing im7 boombox, which has great sound. I recently purchased the im3c speakers looking for a more portable system, since the im7 is a bit heavy and bulky. When I first heard the im3c I was thrown back by the incredible fidelity of these little speakers. Very clear and loud sound, and the potability makes the iM3c the best portable sound I have heard and seen. It comes with a pouch bag and all necessary cables and adpaters for all iPod models. It runs on 4AA batteries which doesnt add too much weight to this light but mighty set of speakers.
My 60g video iPod sounds wonderful in the iM3c, I highly recommend it. And now that the price has come down, it is one of the best deals around. The sound is superb, and you can crank it up pretty loud for the size of the speakers. I love it.
Way to go Altec Lansing!!!
On: 2006-07-19
My husband and I have an iPod and a Nano and like to listen to music throughout the house. We already have a Bose Sound Dock in our living room (which we LOVE). We thought that wed opt for a smaller unit for the kitchen/deck. For folks who think these speakers remotely compare to the sound of Bose, you clearly dont have the Bose Sound Dock. If you are looking for sound that will fill your house, go Bose - hands down.
The inMotion system is fine for the deck, an office, bedroom, smaller spaces like that where you wont need volume. inMotion is not made for quality volume. It sounds tinny if you crank up the volume.
Were moderately happy with the inMotions system...
On: 2006-07-09
Gave this unit to my husband for his birthday and he loves it. He can now sit by the pool and listen to his iPod music and be able to hear what is going on. He can also share the music. It plays off an electric cord or batteries. It recharges the iPod while its playing. The unit is small and light and easy to take with you. He knocked it off a table onto a stone deck and it survived undamaged. Sound quality is great.
On: 2006-07-05
If you are considering taking your ipod and speakers places, these are the speakers to get. These are extremely portable and lightweight, work on AA batteries as well as on AC power (110-220v), and the sound quality for its size is superb. The black carry case is well designed though not intended to absorb shocks. A little additional padding would have been a nice touch. As would have been a white color to match the speakers. It comes with a remote control too, which weighs practically nothing (downside is that it can be easy to misplace) which works well. And a real big plus is that you dont need your ipod charger any more since the ipod charges automatically when docked to the speakers.
Overall, no major negatives just yet. Yes, as some of the reviewers have mentioned the AC adapter could have been designed better. But its a small flaw. And look out for the same speakers that are also available in black to match your black ipods.
Finally, I use this with my OLD ipod, the second generation released in Summer 2003 which has the 4 buttons above the click wheel. It docks perfectly. Good to know in case you are wanting to purchase this for an older ipod. And if you have the very original ipod or another mp3 player, you can still use it with the 1/4 inch stereo cable that is supplied. Of course it wont dock and look as chic as with the remainder of the ipod collection.
Happy listening!
On: 2006-07-05
Its not a BOSE however, for the money spent, I love it.
On: 2006-07-03
I bought this product because I had friends that recommended it and I was not let down. The speaker quality is fantastic and easy to use. Highly recommended.
On: 2006-06-27
I love this thing. I reccomend it.
On: 2006-05-26
I was looking for a decent sounding, reasonably priced, speaker system for use on my night stand and while traveling.
The IM3C has exceeded all my expectations. In its travel bag, with AC Adaptor it takes up less room than a hardback book. The 110-240 power supply comes complete with all the adaptors I need to plug it in in Germany, Korea, and Japan (I travel often, so this is handy). Better yet, it charges the iPod, so I dont have to carry the iPod charger.
The sound isnt Bose good...but its comparable with a good boom box. Ive heard complaints about lack or volume and lack of bass. I listen to folk, country, and classic rock and the bass is clean and true. As far as volume, it wont power a frat party, but its just fine in a hotel room.
This is the perfect system for the frequent traveler.
On: 2006-05-18
I am so happy with it!
The sound, the portability, the weight are great!
FAntastic for travelling!
en
On: 2006-03-25
The IM3C is the best overall truly portable IPod stereo I was able to find. True, the bass could be deeper. However, the effecient design, complete but straightforward controls and the remote do the job. It travels well, in a suitcase or backpack.
On: 2006-03-16
I purchased the InMotion speakers for my new IPod and am very pleased with it. The sound is Great, loud and clear.
On: 2006-03-04
I have a Bose system for my office but I bought the IM3C for traveling . Great sound , very light , universal power adapters,carry bag, remote .All around smart product .
On: 2006-03-03
I think these are the best speakers to get for you ipod. They are small but deliver a great sound. They are also more portable in that they can run on 4 AA batteries, so if you travel a lot like me, this is a must. It is also better for your ipods built in battery becuase you are not supposed to be constantly charging your ipod and you should be letting it drain before charging. Ive actually bought rechargeable batteries for these speakers so that i dont have to constantly have to plug it in the wall (becuase it automatically charges you ipod...it acts as an ipod dock which syncs up to your itunes too). Obviously, youre not gonna get dance club/concert hall sound...they are portable speakers. If you dont plan on taking them out of your house, then yes, get bigger more expensive speakers. But if you just want to have music playing in the room so that you are not constantly wearing headphones, get these. They sound awesome. The base is good, and you get crisp sound. It also gets pretty loud without distorting the sound. Dont forget to turn off the speakers by sliding the switch in the back as it will use up some of the battery power. Just pressing the standby doesnt really turn it off completely. The remote control works fine from across the room. I would say the limit is 16 feet, just gotta know how to aim. But it comes in handy when you are sitting down and want to skip to the next track or adjust the volume.
On: 2006-03-01
I really enjoy listening to my ipod on this system. Its small and portable, so I can take with me when I travel, and it comes with a case to hold it.
However, when you turn the sound up to hear it when Im exercising, the ipod vibrates against the casing of the speakers. Its better if I put a piece of fabric behind the ipod. Altec should include a foam cushion or padding that attaches to the audio system to stop the vibration.
On: 2006-02-24
The Altec Lansing InMotion IMC3 Portable Audio System for iPod Photo is a great buy. The sound quality for such a small unit is remarkable.
On: 2006-02-06
My dad and I had been lamenting the generally bad quality of most laptop speakers, including those of the mac i use at school, so for Christmas, I found these under the tree.
Now, I know people are upset that they cant have crazy-house-party volume with these, or that they cant use the remote from yards and yards away, but they serve a college student quite well, if you ask me.
They sit on my desk to play music while Im in the room. They work great for a boost if a few friends and I are watching a movie on a laptop screen, and, for my four and a half hour drive home, I can wedge these into the passenger seat with my ipod and skim past all of the dead radio zones, or those with only country and very fuzzy npr.
Theyre not magical, and they get a little tinny with loud volumes, but theyre a hell of a lot better than my laptop speakers.
On: 2006-02-02
Today I have finally found a shop that sells both, JBL OnStage 2 as well as the Altec Lansing InMotion. I actually wanted to compare the Logitec mm50 to the IM3C but the mm50 is not available here in China. Anyhow I was looking for a portable Speaker System that I could always have with me while traveling as well as use it on the Beach or wherever. So the JBL OnStage was not the product I was looking for. (It is always to be used with the power plug).
Well I told them I first wanted to listen to the InMotion in comparison to the JBL On Stage... Well there the trouble started. I wanted to buy a Portable system with Batteries. But comparing those two, there was just no way I could have bought the InMotion. The Sound was especially using higher Volume inacceptable!! No actually that is not true - had I not had the direct comparison I would have probably taken the InMotion and I might have been happy with it.
Well I bought the JBL On Stage.
1. The Batteries are a nice feature, but i guess next time on the Beach I will leave my Ipod at home...
2. Every Hotel room has a Plug in the wall...
3. The Remote of the InMotion is another decisive point: Yes it can be used, but the problem about it is that it has the same reach as my arm has. No more than 1 Meter is possible, seriously. I even let them give me a new set of batteries for the Remote, still no change. Maybe my aim is just 2 bad and I just could not manage to point directly at the Infra Red spot...
I think if a product offers a remote control this control should be able to control a device without actually e.g. having to get up out of bed.
Well I tell you one thought that went through my mind: What would annoy me more. To get up and turn something off or to try to turn it off while being half asleep until I realize it simply does not work and then get up to turn it off...
One last sentence: I Hope it does not seem like the InMotion is crap, it is definately not, but it just falls short if you compare it to the JBL OnStage which is not really more expensive if I am informed correctly.
Trust me JBL is the better buy - No I do not work for JBL!
On: 2006-01-23
Im not a very "gadget-savvy" person, not really picky about sound quality and those types of things but even I was surprised at how good the sound is on these speakers. I expected a relatively weak quality but am pleasantly surprised at how well the sound fills my whole office. I brought it to work so my co-workers and I could all play our music on our various iPods (and charge them as well, a real bonus). The only problem I have is that changing the docks for the different sized iPods is very difficult. They are hard to get out. I snapped one already trying to wrestle it out of the dock. If there is an easy way to do this, please let me know! Other than that, Im really enjoying it (as are my co-workers!).
On: 2006-01-20
I overlooked this in the product description (its toward the end) and so Im pointing it out in case you did too. My laptop, like most, does everything I need it to and then some--except the sound system is terribly weak! With the whirring of the DVD drive during a movie, you either have to have earbuds on or place your face very close to the machine in order to hear everything clearly. Watching movies and such becomes a solo activity, no matter the size of the screen, because the sound is so soft.
Surprisingly these speakers came to the rescue. They wont fill the room with top-notch quality sound, but you can definitely lean/lie back and enjoy the flick, and with company too. I have no complaints about the quality of sound--its exceptional for the size and price. Strangely though the volume is much louder when my ipod is docked compared to when its connected to my laptop, even when the volume is clicked to the max.
I brought these speakers with me on a recent vacation and found it able to accommodate all my entertainment needs, from playing soft music before bed (iPods sleep timer comes in very handy) to helping me entertain friends by popping in some Greys Anatomy on rainy nights. The portability, performance, and versatility of this product make it a great buy.
On: 2005-12-27
i love this system... the only downside is the remote. Its very small, and has to be pointed directly at the IR (infrared) receiver to work. and to those who have said the sound sucks... you need to adjust the volume on your i pod (to about 30-60%) to get the best sound quality. mine doesnt sound tinny at all. and it can get pretty loud... not loud enough to throw a crazy college party ad still hear the music... but loud none-the-less. I plan on rocking out with it on my next trip!
GREAT SOUND FOR ITS SIZE!!
On: 2005-12-26
I got mine for christmas...and i loved it..its got an remote control and everything...and the best thing..i can play it just by plugging the cable on the headpohne spot into the im3c...so it doesnt charge my ipod...cuz i have to use it till i run out of batterie otherwise...but batteries life will not be any good...and it wont last for 12 hours..which ic supposed to..but mine alst for about 6..its not bad...
It might be kind of expensive but worth it... not heavy at all...it come with a case...i love it
On: 2005-12-15
I am not a business traveller but an at-home mother. I keep my IM3C plugged in the kitchen. The sound quality is great, and my iPod always stays charged. When I go away, the speakers fold flat like a paperback, the tiny remote fits into a slot and it goes into a small black pouch. Its a lovely design.
On: 2005-12-13
This portable audio system supports the new iPod Video 30 GB and 60 GB.
I used it with my new 30 GB Video iPod and it gives excellent sound even at high volume.
It charges the ipod as you listen to the music.
I was about to get the Bose portable audio for iPod, but with Altec Lansing IM3C, you get the same great sound as in Bose but for less then half the cost.
Great buy.
On: 2005-10-17
I bought this set of speakers because I travel a lot for work and wanted to be able to listen to my music in my hotel room. My friend has the set that is made specifically for the ipod mini and I was not very impressed with the sound, especially when the volume was turned up. So I decided to go a step up and buy these instead. I am really glad I did, these have far superior sound and there are special adapters to fit almost all kinds of ipods, so my mini fits perfectly. It also comes with a remote and international adapters. The sound is obviously not as good as say,Bose speakers, but then again they are not portable like these speakers are. I am very happy with these speakers.
On: 2005-10-10
These are great speakers, with a great sound for the size. Runs on normal batteries (not hard to find), with a long battery life. While the sound isnt as good as a big home system or boombox, I wasnt expecting it to be. The international power adapters and small, compact (folding) design make it easy for traveling. For what it is, Id buy it again.
On: 2005-10-08
Ive been using this for a few weeks with my 3rd Generation iPod and have no serious complaints. Ive primarly used it to listen to Audiobooks (from audible.com or ripped from CDs) and find the sound quality more than adequate. Ive also used it to listen to a wide range of music from Opera and Classical to Rock and Jazz. While it may not have the overpowering bass of some home systems, it is perfectly fine for the average user looking to be freed from headphones or ear buds. I take the InMotion to work and it allows me to listen to audio books and still be able to hear my boss.
My only complaint is that the remote is not very responsive. Sometimes I have to press a button several times before the unit reacts.
Also, once you put your iPod in the replacement dock, the remote plug on the top of the unit wont work. So, if you are trying to connect something like Griffins iFM, it might not work (I dont have my iFM yet to test this). But, you can leave your dock at home because this units dock will recharge your iPod.
This comes with an AC adapter so that you can plug it into the wall. It can also run off batteries for full portability. It comes with a case that holds the speakers (which fold up pretty small) and the remote. The case does not have room for an iPod or for the speakers AC adapter.
If you want to free yourself from headphones, Id recommend this.
On: 2005-09-25
id have to agree that this lil package would be great for the frequent traveller who wants to able to play the songs on their ipod just about everywhere they go. its convenient and good size for portability, can be battery operated, has a remote control, etc..
if, however, like me you are looking for a sound system that will accomodate your ipod at home i.e. a personal stereo, then this is not the best bet. the sound is very tinny. small speakers = small sound. youre probably even better off using computer speakers to play your music.
my advice: save a few more bucks and get the bose sounddock instead.
On: 2005-09-13
The absence of bass and treble adjustments keeps it from being 5 stars. The sound is satisfying if youre not looking for boombox volume. Otherwise its a practical and great looking set of speakers. It does eat lots of AA batteries so try to use the AC adapter when possible. Also (and this is not mentioned in the manual) when the set is folded flat, before you attempt to unfold it, grab the top in one hand, the bottom in the other hand and pull it gently apart then unfold. Youll thank me for this later.
On: 2005-09-12
The perfect fit for my iPod photo. Great sound for a great price. I use it everywhere.
On: 2005-09-08
These speakers are just what I needed for taking along on trips. They collapse to the size of a small book and work perfectly with my 40 GB iPod Photo. When connected to AC power, they conveniently charge the iPod battery. The sound is very good for speakers of this size. However, I can understand the mixed reviews here and on other sites. When the volume is turned up, the speakers occasionally produce a nasty buzzing sound. Fortunately, this is just a vibration between the iPod and the IM3C. It can be cured by slipping something soft behind the iPod.
On: 2005-08-24
When I got the InMotion IM3C, my expectations were too high; I based my purchase on some of the reviews of this website and some others (i.e.: epinions, froogle...)--and unfortunately when I received at my door and hooked it up to my 40GB iPod I was upset at the sound that came out of the speakers. I guess you cant expect much from speakers of 2W, but the sound was terrible--appalling, really. Some of the other reviewers lauded this product as one that could richly fill a room with music...it does, but you have to be VEWY, VEWY, QUIET because you can only turn the volume up about half-way before the sounds turns into a nightmare for your ears.
The only good thing about this product is the sleek design and the portability...but that doesnt really make up for the poor sound quality. I guess if you travel a lot and are from hotel room to hotel room and like to listen to all your music where you can barely make any noise, then this product is for you.
If you buy this product, dont disappoint yourself by having high expectations--dont expect the sound that would come out of the BOSE SoundDock for the iPod, which delivers everything this product offers and more; retailing at $300.00, you have to be a true iPod aficionado to buy it. Otherwise the IM3C will have to do.
You get what you pay for.
On: 2005-07-22
if you have a 60gb ipod photo. a lot of people went for the older im3 model without the c, and wind up with something that would not fit with the ipod photo. i had to call altec lansing to get the im3 and im3c issue straighten out.
i am very pleased with the purchase. most of all, it is the portability. i bought this item with the intention to take it on the road. this thing even came with an universal charger, which is a nice thought, but unfortunately it is the worst kind of universal charger. the kind that you have to pop in different kinds of connecting heads, not a true all-in-one universal charger. still, it is better than none. i can accept this minor inconvenience.
on a positive note, this speaker dock will charge and synchronize, so no need to take your regular dock and charger with you. sure, it doesnt have a s-video output, but chances are the tv in your hotel room wont have a s-video input for you to view your slide shows either.
now, the sound. its okay, as long as you dont try to jack up the volume. this is a small portable speaker. it wont give you the rich bass stereo sound. if thats what you want then get a pair of the large in-home speaker to use at home. in fact, you can get a decent pair for much less. for the price tag of this item, the sound just isnt up to par. it is the all purpose portability that makes this item worth while.
all in all, highly recommended. btw, it is cheaper than the inmotion im3 that various third parties are selling through amazon. any wonder why amazon is no longer carrying the im3?
On: 2005-07-21
if you have a 60gb ipod photo. a lot of people went for the older im3 model without the c, and wind up with something that would not fit with the ipod photo. i had to call altec lansing to get the im3 and im3c issue straighten out.
i am very pleased with the purchase. most of all, it is the portability. i bought this item with the intention to take it on the road. this thing even came with an universal charger, which is a nice thought, but unfortunately it is the worst kind of universal charger. the kind that you have to pop in different kinds of connecting heads, not a true all-in-one universal charger. still, it is better than none. i can accept this minor inconvenience.
on a positive note, this speaker dock will charge and synchronize, so no need to take your regular dock and charger with you. sure, it doesnt have a s-video output, but chances are the tv in your hotel room wont have a s-video input for you to view your slide shows either.
now, the sound. its okay, as long as you dont try to jack up the volume. this is a small portable speaker. it wont give you the rich bass stereo sound. if thats what you want then get a pair of the large in-home speaker to use at home. in fact, you can get a decent pair for much less. for the price tag of this item, the sound just isnt up to par. it is the all purpose portability that makes this item worth while.
all in all, highly recommended. btw, it is cheaper than the inmotion im3 that various third parties are selling through amazon. any wonder why amazon is no longer carrying the im3?
On: 2005-07-08
The IM3C directly supports all 3&4 generation IPODs including the 60Gb. It replicates the function of the docking station and comes with international power adapters both result in significant savings over separate purchases. Power cable included but not docking USB. Automatic poweroff is battery mode only. Sound quality is very good for 2 watt speakers. It is not intended to provide room filing sound but is excellent as a travel sound system. Very small and light. The carrying case is of decent quality and convenient for packing system and power equipment.
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