Altec Lansing iM227 Orbit MP3 Speaker

NOTE: Please excuse how poorly this review was written, I was trying to keep it short so it is almost just a list of facts...I had to write a review even though it will be so far down the list as to never be seen. IT was the one star reviewers that made me feel I needed to chime in. Some of them probably got a defective one, (which is frustrating) and I guess I can understand being upset and writing a bad review, but I also see people who clearly expected way too much from a tiny, battery powered $20 speaker. I also saw some from people who just don't "get it", so with this many reviews, you do have to expect a certain number of bad reviews. That being said, I am blown away at how good this little $20 speaker sounds! This is not a speaker to use if you are planning to blast your music in the garage as you work on your car or set on the patio table and listen to podcasts while you weed-eat! However, if you are going to play music or listen to spoken word stuff at a normal conversational, or even a bit louder level, this is a great speaker! I use it a minimum of 30 minutes a day, (usually at least twice that) while I take a shower and get ready, or when I am doing things in rooms other than the room where my computer is. I wish I could tell you how long the batteries last, but it has been so long since I replaced them I can't remember when it was. A long time is all I can say, and that is sing it at around 60% - 70% volume out of an iPod Touch. (I use regular Energizer batteries) And that includes several nights of being left on for 24 hours unplugged from the iPod. I mostly listen to audiobooks, but occasionally play music through it as well. When I have had to turn it up to around 80% - 85% to hear it over other noise in the room, it occasionally breaks up a bit with certain tones, but when it does I just bump it down until it doesn't do that, and it is still loud enough. The only quality issue (if you can call it that) that I could comment on, is you might need to take a small screwdriver or nail file, and bend the contacts in the battery case out a bit to hold the batteries more securely. The ONLY time this was needed was when I first changed the batteries, and all I had in the drawer were some cheap, off-brand batteries that had come with some other electronic device, to hold me over until I bought some new Energizers. Honestly, that was more the fault of the batteries than the speaker. The sound is crisp and clear when being used as it is meant to be used, and sounds better than any other small portable speaker I have heard, including a dual speaker AC only unit I have with an iPod dock in it. I am tempted to buy another one or two of these to keep on hand for when I finally either break, or wear this one out I love this speaker, and it is absolutely perfect for my needs.

ProsLouder than mostStable form factor - doesnt bounce around or roll overLonger cord than most - almost twice as long as mostPower Button with On/Off indicator lightRuns on 3 user replaceable AAA batteries - Use LSD NiMH (Eneloops) and you have a rechargeable user replaceable solutionEasy access to battery compartmentCord stores away easily and intuitivelyGood protection of the driver - protects it from jabs and pokes in your backpackNot a battery hog - pretty easy on the batteries, lots of playtime on a set of alkalinesConsBuild quaity - not bad, but could use better materials for the cord thickness and lower plastic frame (they might have cheapened it down from the earlier IM237)Sound quality - a bit thin and tinny sounding, some distorition at highest volume, but pretty good compared to the competitionSize - bigger than most others, but this isnt that big of a dealCord length - even though it is almost twice as long as most, and you can get an extension cord for it, it could stand to be 4" longerOther products Ive used...X-Mini IIMusic BulletVarious high quality headphonesVarious audiophile home and car audio systems - I like vintage equipmentVery satisfied with the purchase. Highly recommended.I suffered severe hearing loss and no longer can use headphones. And my listening enjoyment of audiophile gear is severely impaired having everything go through hearing aids now. I use this to augment the nearly imperceptable noises coming out of my laptop integrated speakers and it allows me to access news video clips and listen to music well. The extra volume that this produces over the X-Mini II and Music Bullet makes a difference. I had the X-Mini II for a while and then damaged the cord due to it's thinness combined with rough handling while attached and the very short cord. This is an improvement all the way around over the X-Mini II for me. I also picked up a Music Bullet (As Seen on TV) and I will be keeping that one too. Look for my review on Amazon of the Music Bullet. Long story short...I like the USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery and the extra long (twice as long again as the Altec Lansing IM227) RETRACTABLE cord. The long cord is invaluable...that it is retractable in a quick and seemling quite sturdy mechanism is a delight! The Music Bullet's sound quality and volume doesnt match the X-Mini II, but these ease of use features more than make up for the slight difference. one thing I dont like about the Music Bullet is the lack of protection for the driver....it is open to abuse with not even open bars of the X-Mini. Im gonna keep them both.The reason why the ability to get loud is so important (other than my hearing impairment) is that even though it distorts at full volume on most sources of audio (Youtube and the like)....it gives you the extra flexibility to listen to Video clips with poor audio levels at decent sound levels (and without distorting). This is why the Altec Lansings loudness advantage over other similar devices is so desireable.I would have given this 4 and 1/2 stars but couldnt bring myself to give it 5 stars because there is room for improvement. That being said. I highly recommend the Altec Lansing IM227 Orbit. It is one of the best of it's class.Other products considered...iHome iHM60Kinivo ZX100iTour Pop = Nearly purchased this one for it's Sound Quality (3w amp, loudness, and lower distortion) but the short cord and busy pop up design led me to the simplicity of the Altec LansingIf you found my review helpful please click the Yes button below.UPDATE: It's only been a few months and the thin cord is damaged at the plug. It is a week spot. Shame, because the unit got a lot of things right.I would improve the sturdiness of the plug and also the battery cover, which isnt terrible but could be a little better implemented for battery changes in low lighting.