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The built-in speaker on even the most advanced smartphones can't deliver anything resembling powerful or high-fidelity sound, which can be a problem if you use your device to play MP3 or any type of file where audio figures prominently. But if you have a Palm-OS based Treo and would like to get more substantial audio out of it, you'll probably want to check out Altec Lansing's new inMotion iMT1 mobile audio system.

The iMT1 is compatible with the Palm OS-based 650 and 700p, along with a few non-phone Palm devices like the Tungsten T5, E2, and LifeDrive series models as well. Although the Windows-based 700w uses the same physical connector, differences in how the connector is wired preclude its use with the iMT1. (Although the product web site and packaging state that the iMT1 will only work with CDMA-based 650s, we successfully used it with a GSM-based 650.)

The $179.99 iMT1 measures 1.7 x 8.5 x 5.1 (HWD, in inches) and weighs in at about 1.5 pounds, making it small enough to sit unobtrusively on a desk and be easily transportable. A button on the top of the iMT1 flips a hatch to expose the connector for your Treo to plug into.

The iMT1 is powered by a lightweight AC adapter that includes an assortment of international travel plug tips, but for more mobility you can choose to power the unit with four AA batteries, which will be good for about 24 hours of life according to Altec Lansing. (While on battery power, the unit turns itself off after being idle for three minutes.)

When powered by AC the iMT1 will charge the Treo - a nice touch- and you can also connect the iMT1 to your PC via a USB cable (which unfortunately isn't included) and use it as a synchronization dock.

The iMT1 has two operating modes - phone and music- which you can switch between via a button on top of the unit. The latter mutes the iMT1's built-in microphone, which is ensconced along with a quartet of speakers behind the unit's metallic grille.

Its front houses a quartet of speakers behind a metallic silver grille.

The audio quality of the device is quite good on both battery and AC power, and you'll appreciate the loud clear sound of the device particularly when using it as a speakerphone.

A somewhat annoying quirk of the iMT1 is that you have to remember to set it to phone mode before placing a call, otherwise the caller won't be able to hear your voice due to the muted mic (it's easy to forget to so do). Also, although there are pushbutton volume controls conveniently located on the top of the unit, the iMT1 lacks a volume indicator so there's no way to know how high or low the volume's been set.

If you want to use the iMT1 as speakers for another audio device, you can connect it to the unit's AUX port using a short stereo cable provided. If you really like bass, you can connect an optional $49.95 subwoofer via the iMT1's sub out port. (We think the audio quality is rich enough that most won't find it necessary.) Finally, the iMT1 sports a headphone jack for silent listening. This may seem superfluous given that the Treo has one of its own, but the jack on the iMT1 is the 3.5 mm rather than the 2.5 mm variety, so it will accept standard earphones or headphones without an adapter.

While the $179.99 price tag would be a bit steep for speakers alone, the iMT1's ability to charge and sync and be a speakerphone helps make the cost easier to swallow. For those with compatible Palm devices, the iMT1 should prove to be a useful and versatile companion.