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Product: Altec Lansing inMotion iM7
Price: $249.95
Rating: Very Good 8.0/10.0
Pros: Loud, clean sound, connects directly with iPod, remote, AC or battery power, aux 1/8” input jack.
Cons: Requires 8 batteries, aux input was fuzzy, heavy, limited remote functionality.
Overall:For $250, older inMotions could produce nearly the same sound for a less appealing look, but for those interested in investing in a system to replace their old stereo or shopping for the first time, the iM7 is an easy, mobile and sleek option.

Advertised as “your iPod’s new traveling companion” I was skeptical that the inMotion iM7 would be easier than my canvas black case and 2 year-old inMotion speakers half the size.  It felt a lot heavier than I expected after taking it out of the box but its smooth and symmetrical look made it more appealing to plug it in and put in on a shelf, until I turned it on, that is.

For a portable sound system, the sound was excellent.  Fitting in my iPod to get it hooked up was a little tricky but after turning it on, it was hard to imagine such sound coming from such a little device.  The music was clear and when I plugged it directly into the wall (I wasn’t up to using the 8 batteries it required for non-electrical power) unless I blasted it past any reasonable volume the sound stayed relatively fuzz and high-pitch frequency free.  I found it easier to control the volume on the actual iPod because you could hear the difference faster but the remote was convenient for distance. The one issue I had with the system was when I would connect it to my Powerbook and play it from my iTunes.  The speakers were slightly fuzzier and the quality wasn’t as strong as when it played solely off an iPod.

The speakers have an extremely appealing slick and modern look.  They take up almost no space and its cylinder shape borders trendy and techie and one of the most appealing features was the fact my iPod could charge as it played. For $250, older inMotions could produce nearly the same sound for a less appealing look, but for those interested in investing in a system to replace their old stereo or shopping for the first time, the iM7 is an easy, mobile and sleek option.