Altec Lansing Intros iPod Gear, PC Speakers

Altec Lansing has rolled out a new logo...and, perhaps more interestingly, a new desktop speaker set and a flurry of iPod speaker systems.

Audio gear maker Altec Lansing is in the process of rebranding itself, rolling out a new logo and Web site to convey the company’s “rich history of groundbreaking audio innovation.” We’re sure that’s what everyone’s’ going to pick out of black, white, grey, and gold…but in the meantime, the company has also unveiled a new desktop speaker system with a integrated subwoofers and three new iPod speaker systems.

First up, the new eye-catching Expressionist BASS desktop speaker system look like black cones that sit on your desktop—but the bottom of those black cones are down-firing 4-inch subwoofers, designed to offer “optical performance” for both music and PC gaming enthusiasts. The top of the cones feature two 1.5-inch drivers, and the unit offers an aux input so they can be connected directly to an alternative audio source (like a digital media player. Expect to see the Expressionist BASS at retailers this October for $129.95.

Next up, the tiny Orbit MP3 mini speaker is a follow-up to the company’s Orbit MP3-207, introduced last year, and claims to offer 24 hours of continuous playback from any digital audio device like an iPod, iPhone, or notebook computer using three AAA batteries. The speaker produces a 360° sound field and features a wrap-around design to store the cord and connector. It should be available in October for $39.95.

Moving on to traditional iPod speaker systems, the inMotion Moondance GLOW offers a compact form factor combined with an dual-alarm clock, integrated FM radio (four station presets), and a wireless snooze-capable remote—so you really don’t have to wake up in order to get back to sleep. The unit features two 3-inch speakers and a multicolored illumination system (hence, “GLOW”) that adds a touch of Lava Lamp-like coolness. The unit sports an aux input for non-iPod devices, and should be available in in October for $179.95.

Finally, the inMotion MAX wants to be an all-in-one music system for iPhones or iPods, offering XdB bass enhancement without needing a separate subwoofer and proprietary ESS technology to expand the sound stage and make stereo music seem to more fully fill a space. The unit can run off a rechargeable Li-Ion battery for up to 3.5 hours of continuous playback, and includes an FM tuner with four station presets. The inMotion Max is also iPhone savvy: it’ll automatically pause music if a call comes in on a docked iPhone. The inMotion MAX should be available in October for a suggested price of $199.95.