Altec Lansing re-enters high-end PC speaker market

Altec Lansing recently announced the FX4021 and FX5051 speaker systems, which include 2.1 and 5.1 systems aimed at PC users looking for a high-end PC speaker system. The FX4021 ($129.95) and FX5051 ($249.95) are expected to be available later this fall, the company says.

Both systems include an "isobaric subwoofer design" in about half the size of other speaker systems, Altec Lansing says. The systems also include a wireless remote and satellite speakers that can be wall mounted.

The FX5051 includes USB plug-and-play connectivity (A PC with 500MHz processor, Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME or XP with 64MB of RAM and music/games encoded for 5.1 is required), dual 6.5-inch woofers in its isobaric subwoofer, weighted cast metal stands and built-in cable management. The FX4021 (pictured) includes dual 5.25-inch woofers in its subwoofer, weighted cast metal stands, wall-mountable satellites and built-in cable management.

The 5.1 USB Surround Sound feature does not work on Mac systems, Altec Lansing says, but users can take a Mac OS X system and set the subwoofer to the 2/4 channel mode in order to get 6-speaker stereo sound.

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Ruggedize your iPod speakers

I suppose if you're going to be using portable speakers in an outdoor setting, you should make sure they are hardy enough to withstand normal wear-and-tear. That's the idea behind Altec Lansing's newest portable audio system – the inMotion iM9.

The speakers include a "hardy shell and backpack-style carrying case" and let you connect an iPod or other audio player for portable sound. The iM9 is about the size of a lunch box, weighs about 4 pounds and includes a rear kick-stand for placing almost anywhere.

The system includes dual 2.75-inch drivers and one-inch tweeters, as well as MaxxBass technology. The system runs off of AC power or can be battery powered (4 C batteries), Altec Lansing says. While it carries the "made for iPod" certification from Apple, an auxiliary input lets users plug in other audio devices, such as a CD player, MP3 or portable DVD system. The iM9 is expected by the end of this month at consumer electronics stores for $199.95, and can also be purchased at the Altec Lansing Web site.

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Get big speaker sound from your Palm

Altec Lansing, maker of the inMotion portable speaker docks for iPod and other MP3 players, has come out with a new device aimed at people who want to listen to music stored on their Palm devices. The inMotion iMT1 Mobile Audio Dock is available now through retailers and the Altec Lansing Web site for $179.95.

Users can touch a button and dock their Palm device into the connector slot on the iMT1 to generate sound from the speakers. The iMT1 also can charge the Palm device and act as a speaker phone for the Treo 650. Data can be transferred between the iMT1 and the user's computer through a standard USB 2.0 port on the back of the iMT1. The system supports the Treo 650 (CDMA version), Tungsten T5 and E2, and the LifeDrive. A GSM-compatible version of the dock will be available later in the spring, Altec Lansing says.

The iMT1 is powered through an AC power adapter, although the system can switch to batteries (4 AA) if there's no power outlet around. Other audio devices, including CD, MP3 and portable DVD players, can also connect to the device through an input jack.

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