Altec Lansing InMotion Compact iMT320 iPod dock

The Altec Lansing InMotion Compact (iMT320) is a portable iPhone/iPod dock that runs off mains power or batteries, ensuring you can enjoy music stored on your phone or personal music device wherever you are.

The $79.95, sleek black Altec Lansing InMotion Compact dock won't look out of place in your lounge or bedroom, with delicate gold accents on the buttons. It measures 241x46x119mm and weighs 1.13kg, ensuring it will easily fit into a large handbag or beach bag. However, despite its light weight the device felt sturdy and well-constructed.

We loved the leather flap that folds over the speaker grill and dock when in transit, to protect the speaker. It can also be folded back to create a stand for the Altec Lansing InMotion Compact dock when it's in use.

The speaker is very easy to use. Simply plug the Altec Lansing InMotion Compact into mains power or insert four AA batteries. Slot in your iPod or iPhone (the Altec Lansing InMotion Compact is compatible with all generations except the shuffle) and press the power button. Then select a song and pres splay on your iPod and iPhone for the music to start.

The Altec Lansing InMotion Compact offers a clear sharp sound and volume levels that could comfortably be used outside, perhaps at a barbeque or party.

iPhone users will also benefit from the Altec Lansing InMotion Compact's automatic pause feature, which halts music playback when a call is received. There's no interference between the phone and the speaker when a call is coming through and the music stops almost instantly, allowing the user to either accept or decline the call on the handset.

The dock will also charge your iPod while it's connected to the speaker, however if the Altec Lansing InMotion Compact is powered by batteries it won't charge your iPod or iPhone, instead conserving power for playback. According to Altec Lansing, when powered by batteries, the InMotion Compact will offer 24 hours of playback.

The Altec Lansing InMotion Compact has just three control buttons on the top, power on/off, volume, up and volume down, which means you have to use the iPod or iPhone to pause, stop or skip tracks. Ideally, we'd have liked control options on the speaker or a bundled remote control as other similar priced offerings on the market provide this.

The Altec Lansing InMotion Compact benefits from a 3.5mm jack ensuring CD, DVD, and MP3 players can be connected to the device.