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Figure 1: The face of the IM500.

The back of the IM500 is shiny (and fingerprint-attracting) black plastic. It is beveled on all sides towards the front of the device, thus giving it a slightly thinner feel (Figure 2).

Figure 2: The back of the inMotion.

Also included is a form fitting blue lettered and black leather slip case to carry one’s IM500 (Figure 3). This will only protect the unit from scratches, not ward off damage if you happen to drop it.

Figure 3: A small blue lettered and black leather slip case is included.

Power is provided to the IM500 (Figure 4) via either the included wall wart, or six AAA batteries (three to a side, on the back of the unit). Battery life was fine, but in most cases, I stuck with the wall power. I do fear that the battery doors may suffer damage if used too heavily. You have to really push to get the doors to pop open, and sooner or later, those plastic bits are going to snap.

Figure 4: Power is provided via six AAA batteries or the wall wart.

THIN IS IN

To extend the base on the IM500, you press the small black button found front and center (Figure 5). Both the front and back flaps extend at once (assuming you weren’t accidently holding one while pressing the button).

Figure 5: The front of the IM500 with the base flipped out.

The front flap has the power button and light, the docking port, and the volume control buttons (Figure 6). The buttons have a nice "clicky" feel, and respond accordingly. The dock is nothing unusual, and should work with both generations of iPod Nano devices.

Figure 6: Close up of the buttons and docking port.

The rear flap is quite a bit larger than the front (Figure 7), acting as the main support and allowing the unit to lean slightly backwards.  Very little pressure is needed to collapse the speaker backwards, sadly, and thus the system is just a tad wobbly at times (especially if you pick it up and move the speaker around).

Figure 7: The rear of the inMotion with the base extended.

Hidden beneath the back flap is a USB port (for USB audio), an aux in, and the power port (Figure 8). I really appreciate Altec Lansing including alternate inputs for those who may not have an iPod, or even those folks who might have an iPod, but also want to attach the IM500 to their laptop.

Figure 8: A closer look at the ports.

Both of the flaps have sturdy hinges and click back into place nicely, either one at a time, or both in one go (Figure 9). Also found on the flaps are small feet to keep the IM500 from sliding about.

Figure 9: Side shot of the base completely extended.

LIGHT IS RIGHT

To use the IM500, you hold the power button down and the blue light ignites. You can then attach your appropriate audio device, and adjust the volume accordingly (Figure 10). Simple on all fronts, really.

Figure 10: Blue light = power on.

Compared to the Nano (Figure 11 & 12), the IM500 matches the simple stylish look and doesn’t add a lot of unwanted bulk to the package. If only we scored simply on looks alone…

Figure 11: The IM500 next to the iPod Nano.

Figure 12: Profile of the Nano docked with the inMotion.

Sound quality was a disappointing on the IM500. The square speakers just don’t seem to produce that great of sound, especially when compared side-by-side to its older sibling, the iMplus (Figure 13). Bass response was almost nonexistent, and the unit distorted badly at high volume levels. We originally considered this might be due to the audio we were playing through the IM500, but when we played the same tracks, via the same Nano, on both the iMplus and my studio headphones, the difference was noticeable. In most situations, one might never notice, especially if used outside for a party or BBQ. But audiophiles will want to think twice before purchasing the IM500.

Figure 13: A speaker comparison between the im500 and its older sibling.

PURCHASING

You can purchase Altec Lansing’s IM500 Portable Audio System here for $129.95 USD

PROS

• Good sound quality
• Works with other audio devices
• Light and thin

CONS

• Heavy distortion at high volumes
• Very little bass response
• Flip out base can be wobbly

OVERALL
IMPRESSION

The bass response and distortion was a bit of a disappointment, especially in comparison with its older sibling. But if you are just looking to play music (at a reasonable volume) from any of your various audio sources, and you don’t mind the mediocre bass response, the IM500 is thin, light, and very stylish. And it would make a decent travel speaker. If only we could have both style and functionality in one device! That said, we give Altec Lansing’s IM500 Portable Audio System the following score: