Review: Altec Lansing inMotion iM414

[ACE]

We're gonna take a look at the Altec Lansing inMotion iM414 today. Be sure to keep checking back as we've received a bunch of Zune accessories for a good 'ol Christmas-time giveaway!



Brand: Altec Lansing
Item Description: inMotion iM414
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $99.95 USD
Manufacturer's Description: "When it comes to your Zune listening experience, there’s only one thing missing. Actually two: Speakers. Thankfully, Altec Lansing has solved the problem. The inMotion iM414 is a powerful new portable stereo system with surround effect technology. It’s sleek - your Zune will cradle beautifully in it. And it delivers such full-range, full-bodied sound, you’ll want to carry it around from room to room. The iM414’s twin bass-enhanced neodymium speakers really do the trick. It features a built-in FM radio and a wireless remote. And you can plug the system in or use batteries. So let your music out! The iM414 will show you how."

Our Take: Altec Lansing has put some serious sound in a tiny package. The inMotion414 surprisingly offers rich deep base, and a surround effect feature that adds further depth to the music. A robust, large LED display, gives you the time at a glance, and a remote to control your tunes without ever getting up. And audio input jack also offers the ability to connect other audio devices such as CD players or other PDMPs. The compact design is perfect for beside the bed, or in the office. Adjustable docking clips for every size of Zune comes included.

There are very few things to detract us from this device. While it's not something you want to power a party, the sound great for its size. An alarm function would be nice, but would probably be difficult getting the Zune to play along.

Over all, the inMotion iM414 is an excellent piece of technology perfect for small settings listening.



Overview

Pros:
- Excellent deep, rich sound
- Compact design
- Large backlit LED display
- Remote control

Cons:
- Not a huge system
- No alarm/sleep timer

Rating: 9 out of 10

Do buy if: You're looking for a great small unit for tunes in your home or office.
Don't buy if: You're looking for a huge unit for huge shin-digs...

Online buying suggestions: alteclansing.com, check Google for great deals!

[runtohell121]

nice review looks great

[kizza]

This looks really good for the price, although i'll probably not be after one straight away...

Why does a Zune docking speaker system need an FM tuner? ?
That just struck as a bit weird seeing as the zune already has a tuner, which will most likely work fine when the Zune is docked..
Other then that i agree, it deserves 9/10

[[chemical.kirby]]

i demain 15 more angels! :0
looks nice,but i'll take my 10$ speakers ktxbye

[zombii Matt]

Frontpage?
EDIT: nvm its already there lol

[Gatapi]

I've got one of these. It's quite nice. It can get pretty loud if you want it to as well, and the surround is nice.

[Dramamine]

For around the same price there's an iHome product for the Zune.
Comes with alarm functions and everything, but you can read about it there.

iPod Alarm Clock, iPod Clock Radio, and iPod Speakers by iHome

[dsharp75]

Forgive me if I insult the reviewer of the im414, but are you high?
The im414 is the worst dock for the Zune period. I actually own 4 docks for the Zune (the Altec Lansing [m604 and im414], the iHome ZN10B(their first original Zune dock, not the new alarm version) and the zLive dock), hoping they'll get more portable and better. This dock has the most returns (ask altec lansing) of any Zune dock. I agree with a portion of the review though. If it's for your office where you need the basics of sound and will never need it above background music status where it doesn't disturb others - this is the dock for you. You will not need the remote control as it should be close enough to touch seeings as though the volume shouldn't be loud in your office. And it is the most portable dock for the Zune because even the new zLive dock isn't as portable because it won't run of batteries alone.
However, the im414's "deep bass" is laughable at best. It simulates a bass feel, but by no means is deep. The "deep" distorts the speakers, which brings me to the next point - the volume/sound quality. Shame on Altec Lansing. The volume goes to 30, but starts distorting at 25, just when you finally get above office level volume, which makes it unlistenable. Coupled with the fact that you HAVE to play the Zune before inserting into the dock just makes the remote that much more useless and this Zune dock seem half @$$ed.
I actually returned mine to Altec Lansing due to unstable performance in August and it finally arrived back to me in November(after calling them twice). It performs as expected now, but the sound quality at volumes above 25 still suck horribly. I've used the excellent Altec Lansing 'pod dock (specifically the tube) which made me assume we'd get equally great quality with our Zunes. Boy was I wrong about that.
If it's only for your office with a mild sound - get it; Otherwise, find ANY other Zune dock for a better experience.

[theguywholikeszune]

Originally Posted by Dramamine

For around the same price there's an iHome product for the Zune.
Comes with alarm functions and everything, but you can read about it there.

iPod Alarm Clock, iPod Clock Radio, and iPod Speakers by iHome

yes, but it says iHome, which, in my opinion, is an iPod thing. plus it says "i".

[kayakityakyak]

Those pics would have come out way less crappy if they had remembered to fix the white balance... sorry its a pet peeve of mine

[Dramamine]

Originally Posted by theguywholikeszune

yes, but it says iHome, which, in my opinion, is an iPod thing. plus it says "i".

It's still a Zune dock, just made by iHome, or whatever the company is.

[inspiretech]

Originally Posted by theguywholikeszune

yes, but it says iHome, which, in my opinion, is an iPod thing. plus it says "i".

There are many companies out there who have the "i" in front, as well as many products out there with an "i", such as iTrip? or something like that. Just because it has an "i" doesn't mean its an iPod or iPhone product.

But anyways, great review. Looks like something I could use.

[jj2me]

So you can't use this for watching video? I guess they were pleased with their vertical-only iPod dock design, and didn't want to think further. Oh well, still looking for a speaker dock. Even my Belkin Tunepower battery extender has a pull-out stand for horizontal viewing.

[wotevajjjj]

its all fine and stuff but can you put a zune 30 in it ?