Altec Lansing Mix iMT800 Boombox

The basics

Altec Lansing puts the boom back in boombox with the larger-than-life iMT800, leaving behind its customary restraint for old-school tummy-rumbling audio grunt. But make no mistake: it may be big, but that doesn't mean it's simple.

Aside from the the obvious iPod dock on the front, you get a further two inputs too and a user-adjustable EQ for surprising audio subtlety.

The good

Its bombastic styling might not be to all tastes, but unlike many classic boomboxes from back in the day, the iMT800 is not all show and has a generosity of sound you don't normally get with iPod docks.

Having room for a 5.25in subwoofer certainly helps, and means you can turn the volume right up without distortion. You need a whopping eight D-sized batteries to keep it running, but it's portable too.

The bad

Some things about the 80s belong there, and the iMT800's size and near-7kg weight will be a real turn-off for some. With an RRP of £270, meanwhile, there's nothing old-fashioned about the price tag, and for that kind of money we'd expect some degree of iPod integration on the remote control or at least a video output.

The bottom line

Of all the possible words you could use to describe the iMT800 Boombox, ordinary isn't likely to be one of them. Its in-your-face design means you'll probably love it or hate it, but it does have plenty going on beyond that in case you haven't made your mind up on face value.