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Get an Altec Lansing iPhone speaker dock for $49.99

The InMotion IMT620, which works with all mobile devices thanks to its stereo input, normally sells for around $100.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read
The Altec Lansing InMotion IMT620 speaker dock.
The Altec Lansing InMotion IMT620 speaker dock. Amazon

Quick housekeeping note: I apologize to those of you who had difficulty on Friday getting the Acronis True Image freebie. When I wrote about the deal that morning, I'd followed the instructions, received my license keys (there were two), and successfully activated the software. I wish I could explain why some of you had a different experience, but I can't.

However, as some commenters noted, there are a number of extremely good backup programs that are always free--not the least of which is the one built into Windows 7. Other solid choices: Easeus Todo Backup and Macrium Reflect Free.

Okay, back to business.

Speaker docks rock. I say that not because I love a good rhyme, but because I own a few, and they're in constant use--not just for listening to music and whatnot, but for charging our household's various iPhones and iPods.

Today only, and while supplies last, 1SaleADay has the Altec Lansing InMotion IMT620 iPhone/iPod speaker dock for $49.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. It's new, not refurbished, and normally sells for $75-100.

(Got an iPad? For the same price, 1SaleADay is also offering the Altec Lansing Octiv Stage, an iPad-friendly speaker dock with a rotating stand. It works with other iDevices as well.)

The IMT620 has a number of noteworthy features. For starters, it's meant to be mobile, thanks to combination kickstand/carrying-handle and a rechargeable battery Altec Lansing says is good for five hours. That means you can easily move it from one room to another--or just take it along to the beach, park, or wherever.

The dock also sports a digital FM tuner and can save up to four station presets. (Only four? Okay, that's a bit weak.) An LCD shows the current station and other dock settings, and a remote lets you control the entire works from across the room.

You can get the IMT620 with chrome or black trim; I like the look of the latter a lot better, though I must admit I don't love the dock's overall design. Too many sharp edges, too much angling. On the other hand, if you're into nostalgia, you might just appreciate the throwback look.

CNET hasn't reviewed this model, but the user reviews on Amazon (where it sells for $72) suggest a great-sounding and versatile speaker dock. And that's what matters most.

By the way, like all good speaker docks, the IMT620 has a stereo input jack, meaning you can plug in just about any phone, tablet, or MP3 player. All you need is an inexpensive cord like this one.

Bonus deal: Looking for a Blu-ray player that can also stream Netflix? Best Buy has the <Dynex DX-WBRDVD1 Blu-ray player for $59.99 shipped (plus sales tax). It's new, not refurbished, and has built-in Wi-Fi. In addition to Netflix, it can stream Pandora--but, alas, not Amazon Instant Video.