Altec Lansing iMT800

Powerful, portable, impressive looks, cool remote control

Not especially portable, no internal lithium-ion battery, expensive

Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 is a mix of old and new — it's an iPod dock and FM radio with all the charm, style and raw power of an 80s boombox. Its sound quality rivals other high-end iPod docks we've heard, and the portability of the Altec Lansing Mix...

Tremendous power. Built-in subwoofer. Doesn't distort at high volumes. User-adjustable EQ. Two aux inputs and cables for additional MP3 players are included. Works with iPhone. FM tuner

Not nearly as portable as advertised. Remote lacks full iPod menu navigation. No video out

With multiple inputs, the Altec Lansing Mix iMT800 iPod dock lets you play DJ by connecting up to three MP3 players. It also delivers powerful, user-adjustable audio without distortioneven at high volumes, which is more than enough to make up for its...

A big, full sound ; iPhone compatible ; Lots of bass

No AM radio

A great take on the iPod speaker dock, but perhaps a little bass-heavy

Priced at £269, this is more of an investment than an impulse purchase. Maybe we’ve been won over by its charm, but we like to think that the Altec Lansing Mix iMT800 will stand the test of time — it’s well designed, well constructed and sounds great.

Distinct, retrolicious design ; Excellent sound for a system this size ; FM radio ; Two auxiliary inputs placed on the top of the unit for easy access ; Portable (powered by eight D batteries) ; Slot for storing remote, which also clips onto a belt

Pricey ; No AM radio ; Would be nice if the system included a rechargeable battery ; No video outputs

Freelancer Steve Guttenberg contributed to this review.

Distinct, retrolicious design; excellent sound for a system this size; FM radio; two auxiliary inputs placed on the top of the unit for easy access; portable (powered by 8 D batteries); slot for storing remote, which also clips onto a belt.

Pricey; no AM radio; would be nice if the system included a rechargeable battery; no video outputs.

The design of Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 may not appeal to everyone, but its winning combination of good performance, lots of oomph, and portability makes it one of the best iPod speaker options out there.

Excellent sound quality, works with iPhone-certified, uses AC power or batteries, two auxiliary in ports

Design may not appeal to everyone, expensive, hefty for a portable speaker

Retro boombox design ; Great battery life ; Funky remote design ; Dual AUX inputs

Expensive ; Not for everyone or all types of music