Altec Lansing iM600

Over the years the iPod has been gaining popularity in the Mp3 player market. With the popularity comes a number of accessories for it. Lately there have been a number of new iPod docks from companies like Bose, Sony, and Altec Lansing. Altec Lansing is known for their excellent desktop speakers and their iPod docks are no different.

The iM600 is no different in terms of quality from their other products. The iM600 has a number of really great features such as a radio, an alarm clock, and a second input jack for plugging in a number of different devices.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the WD My Book:

• Street Price: $149.95
• Alarm Clock
• AM/FM Radio
• Remote Control

Things I like
The thing that stands out most about the iM600 is the sound quality. I’ve heard a number of different iPod docks and this one is by far the best I’ve ever had. This dock produces a very clear sound. The sound is of the same quality as some of the low end desktop speakers. The iM600 also features a stereo FM radio and can double as a clock radio when plugged in to an electrical outlet. It includes rechargeable Li-ion batteries and a wireless remote. And it syncs and charges all dockable iPod models. The battery is rated for 7 hours of continuous use so thats really good.

Things I don’t like
The thing I don’t like the most about the iM600 is the fact that it doesn’t secure your iPod from falling out. If your desk gets knocked it’s quite possible that your iPod could drop to the ground and get damaged. The other thing that I don’t like is the fact that the alarm clock feature only works with the iPod. It doesn’t work with the radio and in my opinion this is quite stupid. Sometimes I want to wake up to my favorite DJ’s instead of my favorite songs. The other thing I don’t understand is why Altec would make it so the rechargeable battery can not removed. This means that once it wears out you can no longer use it, you’ll need to plug it in.

Pros:

• Excellent Sound
• Radio and Alarm Clock

Cons:

• A little pricey
• Alarm clock only works with iPod

Final Thoughts
Altec Lansing has been in the iPod speaker market longer than anyone, and it shows. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery and an FM radio makes the iM600 incredibly versatile. If you’re in need of a new iPod dock I would totally recommend Altec Lansing’s iM600.

Altec Lansing VS4121

Altec Lansing is known for their outstanding computer speakers. Many years ago they released one of the first subwoofer based speaker systems for the PC, and they haven’t looked back since. Altec has always mixed a great amount of style with the functionality of their speakers, and sometimes this fusion brought impressive results. The Altec Lansing VS4121 proves to the world why Altec Lansing is one of the best computer speaker manufactures in the world.

The Altec Lansing VS4121 definitely aren’t the prettiest set of speakers out there but they perform better than any other PC speakers in its price range. They feature impressive bass, crisp high-end, built-in controls with bass and treble, headphone jacks, and shielded satellites

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the VS4121:
Street Price: $79.99 - $99.99
Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 97 dB
Total Continuous Power:

• Front Speakers: 6 Watts/channel @ 4 ohms
• Subwoofer: 19 Watts @ 4 ohms

System Response: 25 Hz – 15 kHz (-10dB)
Dimensions:

• Satellites: 4″ (W) x 4.7″ (D) x 9.2″ (H)
• Subwoofer: 8″ (W) x 9.9″ (D) x 13.6″ (H)

Things I like
I honestly don’t know where to begin with the list of things I like. The AL VS4121 are probably the best set of speakers I have ever bought. The bass produces such a shake that it feels like it could bring down my house. The satellites reproduce highs with thrilling clarity and fill the room with their down-firing mid drivers. Because the satellites are shielded it means that you can keep them close to your monitor without worrying about any damage coming from the strong magnets inside the speakers. The second thing I really like is the speakers low profile. The subwoofer barely takes up room underneath my desk and the satellites just sit on top looking rather nice. This set of speakers is everything that I need and I really can’t say anything bad about them.

Things I don’t like
I can’t say anything bad about these speakers. They are by far the best deal you can get for your money and they sound amazing.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Low profile
• Cheap (less than $100)
• The bass shakes the room

Cons:

• Not the prettiest looking speaker set out there

Final Thoughts
The Altec Lansing VS4121 are the best computer speaker set I have ever bought. The sound that comes out of it is absolutely amazing, it’s crisp and loud and can shake the room with its bass. These speakers outperform a few sets that are over $200 and they cost less that $100. I would recommend buying them even if you already have a set of speakers.