Back Patio Audio solution

I have also spent a considerable amount of time trying and deciding on solutions to this challenge. My first attempt was to use my very expensive Denon/Paradigm Home Theatre system as the backbone and run additional speakers out on the deck. While this solution does work there are two drawbacks...indoor/outdoor speaker quality and changing tracks/volume.

My second thought was to purchase some of those wireless outdoor speakers but trying to find a pair I liked was another problem. Every set I was able to listen to sounded like they were firing out of a tin can. Then I did a Google search on wireless speakers and found an eTailer that carries models up to $1,000/pair. However, I could never spend anything close to that without listening to them first.

Then, the light bulb went on. Every year for my spring and fall fishing trips, I take my computer speaker system (Altec Lansing ATP3) to the cabin, which consists of a nice size sub and 2 satellites. Each satellite has 2-1" tweeters and a 3" mid-range. The sub is about 12" long x 10" high x 9" deep, so everything fits nicely inside a small, zippered, nylon carry bag. And, the best part is, this system sounds awesome and only cost about $149.

So, with this in mind, I purchased an Altec Lansing In-Motion portable similar to this:

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=IM5

I say similar because the model I bought is actually for my Delphi MyFi XM Portable Radio instead of the iPod. I found it on sale at Princess Auto for $29 but I think they are also available at XS Cargo. Then I ordered the matching sub-woofer directly from Altec Lansing for $49. Now I use my iPod dock with remote connected to this package for terrific sound on my deck.

The only cons are the need for an AC outlet to power the sub (and In-Motion and iPod if you wish), and the fact that I have to take it in each night (which actually only takes about 30 seconds).

The pros are great sound, very portable, takes up very little room, works with iPod and XM Satellite (or any other device with a 3.5 mm input) and you control everything by remote control. Also, if you need totally portable (no AC power) the In-Motion runs on batteries (but no sub).

IMHO, if there is anything I have learned since buying my first Home Theatre system a few years ago, it's that there is no such thing a great sound without a sub!:D