Small size, battery life

Software, software, software, high price of memory sticks

When used for the first time, this device is incredible. The sound quality is high (although the amp is a bit weak), the size is amazing and it looks pretty cool as well. The problems start when you use the software that comes with the unit. Sony is one of the big music labels and the software restricts the use of the music you paid for. After you rip a song, you can only 'check out' the song to the player 3 times.

The sound is decent at the lower data rate settings. But to get the best sound you must use the 128 kbs setting which limits you to under 1 hour in total music storage. The memory sticks are more expensive than the more widely available smart or flash cards. After using mine for some time I would not suggest buying the unit to anyone because of the software, the limits on the 'checkouts' and the high price.

Similar Products Used:

none

no belt clip

best mp3 player on the market

Similar Products Used:

rio 600

This device is what it claims to be, the Mercedes Benz of portable music devices, Only a loyal Mp3 enthusiast should purchase this. Easy software setup. Would be a joy to have if The Atrac3 format was just as popular. Very straight forward. Catches ladies eyes in a minute:)

Short battery life, 128MB MG memory sticks were just released (maximum of 40 tracks in hi quality mode). only buy if you dont have the need for multiple music files. No backward compatibility with "Blue" memory sticks. MG memory sticks are about $10 more than "blue" sticks

At first i was in love with this player. I was under the assumption that it played MP3's on the fly, but as I soon learned you must convert the files into Atrac3 format and have the device connected via USB to the computer to transfer files. There are very strict standards to OpenMG software (which is included). You cannot alter the files through explorer or you could mess up the track listing. If there was a "Light" version of the encoding and transfer process this would be a hit. I paid $325 for this model. Now that Sony has discontinued it to favor the newer NW-MS9 (which plays mp3's on the fly, you can just transfer them to the memory stick without software). The NW-MS9 also can support newer formats a they come out. This is a collectors item indeed. Only buy if you are really serious about your music

Similar Products Used:

none

stylish

does not work unless you have win98

wasted money - no support etc

Size, thats it.

Where to begin? The software totally sucks, you have to convert your mp3 to their encoding and you can only transfer a song once to your player if you want it back in your computer you have to transfer it back, their lame attempt to control mp3's--sooooo stupid!!!!!!! The memory is
super expensive 100 - 180.00 for 64 meg!!! The transfer of the songs takes way too long. If your running win 98 or older forget about getting the software to work on your computer. The battery only lasts 4 hours and you have to use a wall charger to recharge(battery is built in)But if you still want one email me and I will sell you mine.

Don't bother!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Archos jukebox. 6 gig harddrive transfer songs in a snap, works on 4 aa batterys and doubles as an extra hard drive when you need it, in other words its kick ass. Archos.com