The SUV of Portable Speakers

Altec Lansing announced the newest addition to its inMotion family of portable audio products earlier this week, calling the new iM9, “the SUV of portable iPod speakers.” Its hardy shell and backpack-style carrying case allow the iM9 to shrug off the bumps and bruises of an active lifestyle. And, while the iM9 was designed to act as a rugged companion, it also was engineered to deliver a more powerful, richer sound experience in any environment.

Lightweight and compact -- about the size of a lunch box -- the iM9 offers consumers another iconic Altec Lansing design for portable audio. It comes with a deluxe backpack that makes it easy for music lovers to take it along to the beach house or lake cabin. But like any SUV, the iM9 is a multi-tasking speaker system. Its sleek, black design makes it a versatile accessory and a rear kick-stand lets it slip right into the small spaces of any dorm room, office or kitchen.

Rich, Compatible and Durable

Whether indoors or on-the-go, the iM9 has many features that are sure to please:

Dual 2-3/4" drivers and 1" tweeters, as well as superior MaxxBass technology Mobility, thanks to its compact size and backpack-style carrying case Portability enhanced by a built-in handle AC or battery powered Fits, syncs and charges all dockable iPods and links iPod video and iPod photo players to a TV set

Not Just for iPod

While the iM9 carries Apple's "Made for iPod" certification and works with the iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod with dock connector and iPod with color display, it also can double as a speaker system for other devices. The unit comes with an auxiliary input that allows users to plug in audio devices such as CD, MP3 and portable DVD players.

Pricing, Specifications and Availability

The inMotion iM9 portable speaker system will be available in late March at consumer electronic stores and at the alteclansing web site at an MSRP of US$200. The iM9 is 11" wide, 3" deep and 7.8" high and weighs only 4 lbs. Four C batteries (not included) are required for battery operation. The deluxe backpack will be shipped with the product.