Altec Lansing, who is ranking first among the PC audio specialists has apparently been, like so many others, hit by the iPod mania wave, which has almost transformed the CES 2006 into another iPod-dedicated MacExpo. In their packs this week, their new loudspeaker system… guess what? They are wrapped around an iPod, and they are dubbed iM9 and iM11 respectively. Since the little marvels are to be presented at the CEBIT in next March, there are no specifications available yet, so it's a mere description of what was shown there.
The iM11 -for inMotion, there is already an iM7 (this one, when seen from a certain distance or on a foggy day, looks like a whitish cast iron pipe with an iPod at the center) is the cheapest, you'll get rid of $100 (about $57, but don't dream, they'll probably come more expensive than that in the UK) to buy the device which looks familiar with its dock in the middle (AltecLansing provides docks for every possible iPod model) and two speakers, all this coming we suppose, with the eXtreme dynamic Bass (XdB) system. It is designed for home use.
This is an indoor inMotion model
The iM9 is more expensive, coming at $200 (£115 approx., same remark) and that is because it is litterally an outdoor device, that you will take with you for your next trekking in Nepal in order to listen to your favourite Deep South Blues there -compulsory, if you don't want to experience home sickness... It is shock- and water-resistant (or better, splash resistant, don't dive in the Red Sea with it on your shoulders), it is delivered with a carrying device, it looks and feels like camping.
This is outdoor inMotion model (iM9)
Both models follow AltecLansing predecessors with video output cables to benefit from the iPod video generation.
Visit AltecLansing website here