WARNING: Remember that the software for reading mp3's on this unit and most like it are hardcoded as part of the units ROM software. That means it may (read will) sometimes have trouble with later version encoders. If you are ripping from your own CD's, be sure to use LAME v1.25 engine 3.88 or earlier.

Ergonomics, sound and lack of skipping.

Cost, it's on the expensive side. Get better headphones. Use good CD's, (Maxell, Sony etc.) doesn't appear to like cheap brands very much. Minor, but I would love treble controls (a 5 band equalizer woul be superlative!)

This is a preliminary review - hope it helps. Purchased for $250 Cad. in Toronto (things are more expensive here than in the States) I have been using the D/NS921F for about a week now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Initially, I was wary of the unit because available literature wasn't explicit that it reads mp3 files without conversion to Sony's native ATRAC compression scheme. I suppose Sony want's to really push this technology. Complicating this, the first mp3 sample disk I tried wouldn't work even though another unit read it after scanning for a while. I'm glad I gave this unit another chance as there aren't many choices out there these days besides Sony and Panasonic. The D/NS921F is the perfect hybrid vehicle. As someone who has grown up listening to vinyl, I'm used to more fluid sounding music and prefer to listen to CD quality at the very least. I have an iPaq with a Mp3 is great if 256mb card and use it to listen to music when walking to/from work. I find my ears do tire easily when listening to compressed music and 256 mb is good for holding quite a few tunes but it's a hastle downloading a new list everytime I feel like changing it up. I have 5 cd's with archived mp3's and ripped full resolution mix CD's with everything from Mozart to the Cult to Sean Paul and love listening on this unit. The handy joystick I thought was gimmicky at first but turns out to be the ultimate in ergonomics. There has been no skipping yet and radio sensitivity is fairly good, be sure to read the manual though on the difference between local and dx - there is an effect in large metropolitan centres. I haven't explored it's list capabilities yet and the ATRAC technology but will be sure to post an update at that time with a 'balancing' score. Be sure to use good ear-buds though, as usual, the ones that come with are only adequate. I use the MDR-EX70's which cost a bit but are sensitive and particulary well suited to mp3 music (i.e., detail discerning without revealing too mush noise that makes mp3's unlistenable). Using my choice headphones, the bass boost is virually useless - a long complaint of mine: why all the fuss over bass and nothing for treble (sigh). In my mind, a much better solution than any mini-disk as no conversion required, just rip a CD then go.

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