Altec Lansing inMotion Speaker Dock with FM Radio for Zune
By admin On January 12th, 2010
- Portable stereo system designed for Zune HD and Zune
- Delivers smooth, bass-enriched sound
- HD Radio technology and FM radio
- Fully portable–battery or AC powered
- Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
Product Description
The inMotion iM414v2 is a powerful new portable stereo system with surround effect technology. It’s sleek – your Zune will cradle beautifully in it…. More >>
Altec Lansing inMotion Speaker Dock with FM Radio for Zune
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ROBERT W. SAINTJOHN Says: January 12th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I’ve just crossed into my second year with my Zune 2 (80GB) which is now fully loaded with all of my important music and endless playlists. I’ve resisted using it at work, however, because I didn’t want to run the battery down. The Altec Lansing inMotion Speaker Dock solves almost all my problems.
At 10″ long by 7″ high and 5.5″, the inMotion consumes a little more space than I’d like it to for desktop use, but there’s a lot of power and features in that space. The fact that I can use the speakers for my Zune, for my PC (the Aux input) or as an FM radio is a big plus (although the latter is a bit puzzling as my Zune has an FM radio).
If you get it, be sure to check the packaging thoroughly…. I almost threw away the very small (but handy) remote. And you’ll need it as the remote has a few features (like Bass and Surround Sound) that aren’t on the main unit. Fortunately the remote tucks very nicely into the top rear of the unit. Both the unit and the remote have buttons for next/previous track and volume (no scan feature, but you can still use your Zune’s interface).
Sound quality is fantastic, very rich. Depending on your songs, you’ll find that the Bass and Surround features make the music sound so good that it’s hard to believe they’re compressed MP3s and not the original CD. It also gets quite loud, so it’s the perfect personal stereo for any room.
The LCD is nice and clear, but despite the fact that it displays “414″ when it starts up, don’t think it’s a clock that needs to be set. That’s just the model number, and there is no clock.
My Zune cradles quite well in the slot and still allows easy operation. Again, I have the Zune 2 80GB version. Adapters are included for other Zunes, but I can’t speak to how well they work. For me, the big plus is to be able to use my Zune with speakers, but have it running off the AC power and charging while sitting on the inMotion. That means I’ll probably get 3 to 5 times as much use during the lifetime of my Zune, and that makes the inMotion a great value.
PROS:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Overall functionality/utility
- Remote
CONS:
- A little large
- No clock
- Some functions only available on remote (don’t lose it!)
Rating: 4 / 5
Michael Countryman Says: January 13th, 2010 at 1:11 am
I received this Altec speaker dock about a week ago and have been enjoying it since. This is the first one that I have seen that is made just for the Zune. There may be some others out there but I have not seen or heard of them.
The unit was very very easy to setup. Plug and play simple. Not need to read a boaring manual here.
In the box are several switchable cradles for the different Zune models. Mine fits in pretty nice but I would still take caution with it.
I was up and playing music in no time with it. The radio antenna is a long black cord abot 2ft long. I would preffered to have it built in but it works. The included remote works very well and has all the needed functions on it.
I really liked the music and bass boost features as this brings the sound to life on this small box. The sound coming from this little thing is great!! I have had many Ipod docks this size and none of them could compare for sound quality.
I do have one gripe though. I wish it had a clock and alarm clock function built in. I really think this is needed and could be easliy added to later updated versions.
PROS: Very small and mighty package.
Finally something for a ZUNE!
The included cradles fit well
Remote works great.
CONS: Wish the antenna was built in the unit. Cord just looks kindof ugly but not big deal since it can be concealed.
No clock or alarm clock features. Maybe later versions Altec may add it?
Rating: 4 / 5
R. Dowling Says: January 13th, 2010 at 2:44 am
I’ll start off by discussing the most important feature of any speaker dock: the sound quality. This unit, despite its very compact dimensions, has pretty good sound. The sound isn’t perfect and it definitely isn’t audiophile quality, nor will you think that there is a subwoofer hidden somewhere inside… but the sound quality is somewhat better than other speaker docks of similar sizes and prices.
One of the things I noticed about this dock’s sound quality, which I haven’t noticed with other docks, is that there is a huge variation in sound quality depending on what type of surface you put the dock on. For instance, if I put it on my glass-top night stand, I have to turn on the bass boost in order for the sound to be acceptable. If I put it on my kitchen counter, I have to turn the bass boost off because it gets too “boomy.” This is perfectly normal and didn’t surprise me at all, but the effect was much more noticeable with this dock than with other docks I’ve owned.
The surround sound feature is a bit of a joke. It seems to boost the midrange and add a bit of reverb, but it doesn’t even come close to the simulated surround sound modes that other audio systems have. In fact, I found that the surround sound mode on this dock made my ears hurt after a while. So, I leave it turned off.
Make sure you don’t lose the remote control! It’s hidden inside the styrofoam packaging and you might accidentally throw it away if you’re not careful. The only way to turn the bass boost and surround sound on or off is with the remote.
The radio gets pretty good reception in my home. For some reason, this dock only lets you tune in FM stations. If you like to listen to talk radio, please note that this unit will not tune in AM stations.
Overall, I like this dock. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done, in a nice looking, compact package. If Altec Lansing could improve the audio quality and fix a few other minor flaws, I would gladly give it five stars. And as many other reviewers mentioned, I agree that this dock should have had a clock!
Rating: 4 / 5
Kaio Says: January 13th, 2010 at 5:17 am
My favorite feature of this Zune speaker dock is that it does something that is increasingly becoming a rarity — it runs on batteries. I know this sounds minor, but I’ve been needing another radio for emergencies and all this rechargeable technology just doesn’t cut it. A true ‘emergency’ go-to device can’t rely on electricity to recharge it; it needs to function independently off the grid. So, for me, this is a huge bonus feature.
Another thing I like about the inMotion Speaker Dock is its size — nice and compact, yet the sound is still decent compared to others in its class. Sure, it’s not going to knock your socks off or make the floor shake with thumping bass, but that’s not what this product is — nor would you want that if using this around the office. Though I do agree with others who say this should’ve had a clock. Given the size of this inMotion, maybe Altec Lansing didn’t want it to be labeled as just another clock radio, but that nice LCD screen is crying out to double as a digital clock. Maybe that’s why the FM radio presets are so sparse too — the in Motion seems to be forging the middle ground between a high end speaker dock and a simple clock radio. Unfortunately, this leaves it a tad uninspired in both departments.
Auxiliary Input
This is always appreciated. It’s nice to have to option to run other devices on an existing unit, so kudos there.
Remote Control
This is a nice touch and helpful in navigating Zune menus without disturbing the Zune as it rests in the dock.
Bottom Line: if you’re looking for something compact for the office or are in need of something battery operated, this is a good choice. There’s nothing overly exciting to talk about here, but it is a solid performer with decent sound.
Rating: 3 / 5
W. Stohler Says: January 13th, 2010 at 7:37 am
The dock now fits the Zune HD, along with its predecessors. It includes 3 docking plates. The unit is very basic and easy to use. Plug in the dock (battery operated, optional), unfold the FM antenna, dock the Zune, power up. The unit contains a slot in back to store the remote, a blue backlit LCD display, front speakers with two rear ‘sub’ ports, and a few basic operational buttons (power, volume, FF / Reverse).
Sound
The sound is reasonable for such a small unit at this price point. Without the bass boost and ‘surround’, the sound was somewhat anemic. The unit has decent sound at low volume, but quickly distorts at even moderate sound levels. Ideal for background music in the bedroom / kitchen / office. Not loud enough for partying!
Remote
The basic remote controls power, volume, radio presets, and has FF / reverse. Unfortunately, you can’t select the genre / artist / etc., and you can’t scroll up or down. I consider this a significant shortcoming.
Dock
The dock performs…as a dock. The addition of a clock and alarm function would have completed the concept.
Overall….I’d give the unit an ‘acceptable’ rating for the price. Nothing great, nothing terrible. I’m a bit of an audiophile, so I’m not impressed. I expected better from Altec Lansing, but this follows their line of inexpensive computer-related sound products at an inexpensive price point.
Rating: 3 / 5