Altec Lansing M202 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Audio output power: 7.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: IPX4
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 1130 g

Altec Lansing M202 review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.6

Audio

20.0%

8.9

Battery

18.0%

5.9

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

6.1

Controls

3.0%

8.2

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    4.9

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 4.6
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.5

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.3
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    1.5

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.0

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Altec Lansing Octiv Duo M202 is a compact, wedge-shaped 2.0-channel speaker dock measuring 3.8 x 10.7 x 5.7 inches and weighing approximately 2.4 pounds, designed to charge and play two 30-pin iPhones or iPods simultaneously. Equipped with dual 2-inch (51mm) neodymium drivers, an integrated 3.5mm auxiliary input, a rear USB charging port for a third device, and magnetic storage for its circular remote, this system offers electromagnetic shielding to prevent cellular interference. Key advantages include its space-saving footprint, convenient dual-charging capabilities, and clear audio output for personal spaces. However, the system lacks built-in Bluetooth connectivity, relies on an obsolete 30-pin Apple connector, and suffers from noticeable audio distortion at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Altec Lansing M202

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

6.7
Altec Lansing M202 has a technical score of 6.72 points, which is lower than 57.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Altec Lansing M202 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.7
Altec Lansing M202 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 40.7% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

7.00 W
Altec Lansing M202 has an audio output power of 7.00 W which is lower than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 7.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

51.00 mm
Altec Lansing M202 has a driver unit size of 51.00 mm which is larger than that of 54.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 51.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
Altec Lansing M202 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

?
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Altec Lansing M202 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX4
Altec Lansing M202 has an IP rating of IPX4 which provides worse ingress protection than 77.7% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 21% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Altec Lansing M202 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Altec Lansing M202 includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

1,130 g
Altec Lansing M202 weighs 1,130 g which is heavier than that of 59.5% of portable speakers.
Weight: 1130 g.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

9.6 cm
Altec Lansing M202 has a height of 9.6 cm which is shorter than that of 63.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

27.3 cm
Altec Lansing M202 has a width of 27.3 cm which is wider than that of 74.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

14.5 cm
Altec Lansing M202 has a depth of 14.5 cm which is deeper than that of 77.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

handle
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M202 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Native Spotify Connect support could not be confirmed.
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Altec Lansing M202 vs the average portable speaker

  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Altec Lansing M202 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
    What it is: Indicates whether sound is spread evenly in all directions.
    When it matters: When even sound coverage around the speaker matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Altec Lansing M202 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Altec Lansing M202 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Has a power bank function
    Altec Lansing M202 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Altec Lansing M202 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Includes a remote control
    Altec Lansing M202 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
    A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
    When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Altec Lansing M202 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker includes an FM radio receiver.
    When it matters: When listening to broadcast radio without a separate source matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    Altec Lansing M202 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
    What it is: Indicates whether audio or microphone output can be muted directly.
    When it matters: When audio needs to be silenced immediately from the speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Altec Lansing M202 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Altec Lansing M202 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    Altec Lansing M202 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Altec Lansing M202 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an equalizer
    Altec Lansing M202 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Includes a remote control
    Altec Lansing M202 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Altec Lansing M202 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    Altec Lansing M202 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Altec Lansing M202 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Includes a travel bag
    Altec Lansing M202 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing M202 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 13 W less audio output power
    Altec Lansing M202 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (7 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 7.00 W.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Is not water resistant
    Altec Lansing M202 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Altec Lansing M202 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Worse ingress protection
    Altec Lansing M202 has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Supports explicit True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Altec Lansing M202 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 6.2 cm deeper
    Altec Lansing M202 is deeper than the average portable speaker (14.5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 9.2 cm wider
    Altec Lansing M202 is wider than the average portable speaker (27.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 330 g heavier
    Altec Lansing M202 is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,130 g vs 800 g).
    Weight: 1130 g.
  • 9 older
    Altec Lansing M202 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2010 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2010.
  • Is not water resistant
    Altec Lansing M202 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Altec Lansing M202 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing M202 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Altec Lansing M202 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 13 W less audio output power
    Altec Lansing M202 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (7 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 7.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Altec Lansing M202 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (7 W vs 20.00 W).7.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Altec Lansing M202 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Supports explicit True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M202 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Worse ingress protection
    Altec Lansing M202 has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
    What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
    When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: IP67+

    Altec Lansing M202 has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).IPX4 vs IPX5

Graphic comparison of Altec Lansing M202 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Altec Lansing M202?

  • Dual docking allows playing and charging two Apple devices at the same time
  • Compact and elegant low-profile wedge design fits small spaces easily
  • Decent sound quality with clear audio and subtle low-end presence for its size
  • Free companion applications unlock alarm clock and song mixing capabilities
  • Electromagnetic shielding prevents mobile phone interference during use
  • Includes a full-featured remote control that stores magnetically on the back
  • Additional USB and auxiliary ports allow charging and connecting extra devices

What customers dislike about Altec Lansing M202?

  • Audio struggles with noticeable distortion at high volume levels
  • Bass response is limited and cannot deliver deep punchy lows
  • The circular shape of the remote control can be awkward to use
  • Requires the official app to access full mixing and alarm features
  • Music Mix app functionality is restricted on non-iOS models like the iPod nano

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
14/09/2010
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
18/10/2010
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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