The box contains the iM7 speaker system, an AC power adapter with several different international plug fittings, wireless remote control, manual, 3.5mm stereo lead and a couple of plastic inserts to resize the cradle for the iPod mini and nano."

Here's the rear of the unit, showing the various inputs/outputs...

Here's a closer look at the rear.
Also notice the carry handle and the little slot beneath it... we'll come back to that...

Side view - what a gorgeous design! Notice how the speakers curve all the way round and there are even speakers in the sides.

OK, let's set it up. Here's a close-up of the power adapter with the UK connector plug that just needs to be slotted into place.

Pressing gently on the top-front of the cradle opens it up...

Now all we need is an iPod...

The cradle appears to fit my 4G 40GB iPod perfectly!

The Apple Store had a 5G iPod Video inside their display model, so they do fit, but I'm not sure of the dimensions compared to the 4G, so you might have to request a separate 'insert' for it to fit correctly. The box includes two inserts, which look to me as though they are for the mini and nano.

And let the music play. I think it looks really neat.

Here's a close-up of that remote. It's only got basic functions - power, volume +/-, play/pause, prev/next track, but also allows you to adjust the treble and bass. It would be nice to have a 'menu' button to allow you to navigate the iPod more easily, but I'm not sure if any of these speaker systems offer that yet.

I've tried this out sitting 6 metres (about 20 feet) across the room and it still works perfectly.

Now in case you're worried about losing that remote, don't be.
Remember that little slot on the back? It's to keep the remote safe. Clever huh?

"I spent some time looking at various iPod speaker systems on Saturday and quickly narrowed it down to two choices: this one and the Bose SoundDock. I don't claim to be an audiophile but the cheaper systems seemed noticeably 'tinny' in comparison. I compared both of these models in the Apple Store, Regent Street and John Lewis, Oxford Street. The Apple Store was pretty loud and buzzing anyway, so I managed to *really* crank the volume up in there for a good test!

I have to say I was initially very impressed with the quality of both systems. I was originally going to buy the Bose because of the name; Altec Lansing isn't quite as big a household name, well not in the UK anyway. I'm really glad I didn't go with the original plan though.

The Bose is certainly smaller and at the moment is being offered with a free carry bag. However, at £249 (UK), the Bose is also £50 dearer than the Altec Lansing offering. Both systems include a remote control, though these weren't available to test in-store.

Sound wise, both systems are very clear at the mid-range and mid-volume. In my opinion the iM7 has far superior bass response and packs more oomph than the SoundDock. Turning up the volume produces some definite distortion on the SoundDock - I found this very disappointing, as I'd only heard great things about Bose previously. The iM7 still sounds amazingly crisp at high volume; and believe me... these things can go LOUD!

Function wise, the iM7 offers a little bit more for less money. The rear of the unit has video outputs (S-video and composite) to allow you to view photos or videos from your iPod on an external display. There's also a headphone jack and an auxiliary input (3.5mm stereo cable is included) should you need to connect up an older model of iPod (without dock connector) or even an iPod shuffle, or other device. I might be wrong but I'm not sure that the SoundDock offers these inputs/outputs.

Design wise, I wasn't too sure when I first saw it as I thought it looked pretty big, but I love the cylindrical shape. A personal preference perhaps, but to me it's more aesthetically pleasing than the SoundDock. I also prefer the look and feel of the slightly raised power & volume buttons located on the top of the iM7, compared to the feel of the volume buttons on the SoundDock, which I actually found more difficult to control."