Altec Lansing XT2 Portable Laptop Audio

Altec Lansing XT2 Portable Laptop Audio

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:15:58 PM, by Trent Lapinski

The Altec Lansing XT2 laptop speakers are an update to the critically acclaimed XT1 laptop speakers. The XT2 system features a sleek, lightweight form that is perfect for mobility, and is aesthetically pleasing with its innovative looks. Although they require some fine tuning, the XT2's provide higher volumes and richer clarity than built-in laptop speakers. These speakers also include a built-in microphone for Voice over IP communication or online gaming. Best yet, these speakers fold easily to fit in the accompanying travel case which holds your speakers, cables, as well as an AC adaptor with different plugs for different countries. While the speakers can be powered by USB or convenience, you can also plug in an AC adaptor to boost sound volumes, and take a load off the laptop's battery or power-supply. The speaker also supports an optional subwoofer for the extra bass punch.

Design

The radiant blue glow of the power indicator, sleek mesh front, and silver design make the XT2 speakers pleasing to the eye whether you're a picky Mac user, or a fashionable PC user. With built-in controls, and a microphone on the primary speaker, the XT2's are simple to use, and even easier to setup.

The controls consist of volume and power on the right speaker. Unfortunately there is no controls for bass or treble.

The fold out metal stands keeps the speakers positioned upright, and can easily fold in for travel.

With mobility in mind, the XT2 speakers are lightweight and take up little desk space thanks to their thin form factor measuring 2.2'(W) by 1.4'(D) by 7.4'(H).

The XT2's also come with an easily pliable USB cord, and a retractable wire connecting the secondary speaker to the primary.

Pliable USB cord on the left speaker/Right speaker contains Sub-out and DC-IN for optional ac adapter.

Best yet, the XT2 come with a travel case which holds the speakers, cables, and adaptors. It also comes with several power adapter sockets to be used in other countries with the different power ratings in case you travel overseas.

Sockets for EU, Korea, UK, and Middle East.

Features

Built-in Microphone
Designed for Voice-over-IP (VoIP), the XT2 includes a built-in microphone on the primary speaker (right one) with a slight bump in mesh front plating at the top. The microphone works as expected, and is a great solution for VoIP communication as well as internet gaming.

USB Powered
The XT2 can be powered by USB for added mobility and convenience. You can opt for an AC adapter which will then boost volume and put less drain on one's battery life (pumping 4 watts RMS power compared to 1.6 watts RMS with USB). Also included are adaptors so you can use these speakers in other countries.

Controls
On the side of the primary speaker are three simple controls, power, volume up, and volume down. Sadly, there is no bass or treble control.

AUX
Another nice addition is the AUX port allowing one to plug-in an external audio device such as an iPod or CD player to the speakers.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Great design
• Easy to setup
• Lightweight
• Built-in microphone

Cons:

• Lack range, treble, and bass
• Require tuning for optimal performance
• Expensive

Recommendation
The XT2 produces big sounds for laptops, even louder and more powerful than the XT1. Distortion could be heard if the volume is turned up too high and bass performance is also lacking compared to the previous generation XT1, however you can purchase an external sub-woofer (BB2001 for $49.95) to accommodate your low frequency needs. While not a vast sound improvement over the popular XT1 system, the XT2 still shines with the extra features. Designed to replace built-in laptop speakers, the Altec Lansing XT2 is an excellent set of speakers that come with a nice set of travel accessories and even a built-in microphone for gaming or voice over IP communication. Though not comparable to a 2.1 desktop sound system, if you want better quality audio for your portable computing needs, these will do the job nicely.

Availability/Warranty
The Altec Lansing XT2 is available now for suggested retail price of $149.99. Altec Lansing offers two year warranty on all multimedia speaker systems.

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Technical Specifications

No specifications are available.