Why You Can Trust CNET Get an Altec Lansing InMotion Air wireless speaker for $99.99
This robust, portable Bluetooth speaker works with just about every device capable of producing audio. It lists for twice the price.
Last week I wrote of my love for speaker docks.
You know the only thing better? A wireless speaker, one that lets you stream music right from your smartphone or tablet--no docking required. (Here's a list of CNET's top portable Bluetooth speakers.)
While supplies last, Ben's Outlet has the refurbished Altec Lansing InMotion Air IMW725 wireless speaker for $99.99 shipped. It lists for $199.99, and the best price I've seen elsewhere is $136.
Its name notwithstanding, the InMotion Air does not incorporate Apple's AirPlay technology. Rather, it supports wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, meaning it should work with all smartphones and most tablets (anything that supports the A2DP Bluetooth standard).
If you're looking to rock out with an MP3 player or other older device, have no fear: the speaker has an audio input jack, meaning it's more or less universally compatible.
Because this isn't a speaker dock, it can't charge your device--one of the criticisms leveled by David Carnoy in his CNET review. However, I think he kind of misses the point.
The beauty of a non-docking speaker is that you get to sit on the couch with your phone or tablet and actually use it while playing your tunes. Want to listen to a different track? Tap-tap and you're done--no need to stand up, go over to the dock, try to fiddle with the screen at an awkward angle, etc.
With the InMotion, you can fire up, say, Pandora, tune in your Adele station, then kick back and read your "="" e-book"="">"Unbroken" e-book. It's a thing of beauty.
Because this is a refurb, it has a 90-day warranty. That may be a concern if you plan to tote the speaker around a lot. (It has a carrying handle and rechargeable battery, so it's meant for toting.) For the extra $36 that Amazon charges for a new one, it might be worth having a full year of coverage. Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Holy cheap memory cards, Batman! Buy.com has an 8GB Kingston microSDHC card with SD adapter for $5.95 shipped. That's while supplies last, of course, and I'll wager they won't last long.