Altec Lansing IM4 Portable Audio System

A very good audio system, but sounds exactly the same as the previous IM2 which you can have for half the price.
I have been all my life in HI-FI, and honestly believe I can easily distinguish the characteristic sound of any of these kind of systems. Nevertheless, to me, IM2 and IM4 really sound exactly the same. So, before buying an IM4, give a try to IM2s or (if you believe me) just look for IM2s'offers at Amzon or elsewhere (they are still very popular systems).

As said above, you will find IM2s for HALF the price of IM4s.

I spend a lot of time on planes and in hotel rooms, and my Zen Micro is a lifesaver. I wanted music in the hotel room, however, and bought these after some study.

Sound quality is excellent, with good bass. Physical design is also very convenient: folds into a flat package, fits into a soft cloth bag, takes up very little room in my suitcase. When open for business, the non-slip plastic on the top of the center unit is an excellent place to set your music player. The plug-in is a short cord that retracts into the main unit when not in use.

The external power adapater is an especially clever design, with 'snap in' plug adapters for US, UK & other AC plug types.

May also be powered by 4 AA batteries, but in this regard I've had less luck: left the unit 'on' by accident when I unplugged it, and when I returned to my hotel room, the batteries were exhausted.

If a person has a non Ipod MP3 player i.e. Creative, Dell, or Iriver and does wants to hear music out in the open the choices are pretty limited. The sound of these portable speakers are more extended than the Creative Travelmate in the bass and treble but still are a bit on the thin side sonically but what can you expect for $70 to $80? Dell is asking $100 for this product which is too much. The specs say that the bass goes down to 60 hz which I find hard to believe. Probably 100 hz is more realisitic. For listening to music while traveling or for casual listening in out of the way rooms of your home this is worth the money otherwise buy a real stereo.