Altec Lansing iML237 Orbit Speakers [USB Connectivity, No Batteries, Case Included]

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Just over two years ago, Altec Lansing introduced its Orbit line of portable speakers and it seemed that they were destined to end up in the throwaway category. They were small, fairly low-powered, and required three AAA batteries to keep them going. Oh yeah, and they didn’t have a USB connection. That was so 2007. My how times have changed. In what appears to be a feat of customer-focused reengineering, Altec Lansing today announced the re-release of their Orbit line of speakers and this time they mean it. The new Orbit iML237 speakers are an ultra-portable pair of speakers that has ditched the batteries and connection cables in lieu of a more notebook-friendly demographic.

The new Orbit USB weighs in at less than six ounces and boasts Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment design, which, according to the folks at Altec Lansing, is the precise balance and craftsmanship of the key audio components — the driver, the enclosure and the electronics. Now that is definitely some big talk for such small speakers. The speakers sport a cool circular shape and feature retractable stands so you can prop them up on your desk or other hard surface. Along with the two speakers, the Orbit USB includes a neoprene case with hook-on carabineer as well as tangle-free cord storage.

The new Altec Lansing Orbit USB speakers are 100% USB connected and no longer have the attached 3.5-mm plug for jacking in your iPod or cell phone. This pretty much means that they have relegated this set of soundmakers to the laptop set. The also might make a great addition to a corporate meeting room for enhanced multimedia presentations.

The Altec Lansing Orbit USB iML237 will be available in mid-September at BestBuy, Amazon.com and other leading consumer electronics retailers, as well as at www.alteclansing.com. MSRP is $49.95.