Sony unveils Flash Walkmans

Posted on 8 Mar 2005 at 12:58

Sony has unveiled its first flash memory-based portable music players, with a bewildering array of nine different models.

These latest additions to the Network Walkman portfolio offer 256MB, 512MB or 1GB of storage in three ranges; the entry-level NW-E100 series, the mid-range NW-E400 series and the high-end NW-E500 series.

The NW-E100 comprises the NW-E103, NW-E105 and NW-E107, with 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacity respectively and available in six colours. Each has an LCD display showing song, artist, or album titles and provides up to 70 hours of playback (albeit of 105Kbps ATRAC3 files) on one AAA alkaline battery.

The NW-E400 series comprises the 256MB NW-E403, the 512MB NW-E405 and the 1GB NW-E407 in black, blue, red and green. They have an 'Organic EL' display that shows three lines of text including information such as the time. A built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery provides up 50 hours of playback (see above) and the quick charge function delivers, says Sony, three hours of play with just three minutes of recharging.

Finally the NW-E503, NW-E505 and NW-E507 add a built-in FM digital tuner to the corresponding E400 models and different colours: 'subtle' hues of silver, blue, pink and gold.

The players will be available in April and compatible with ATRAC files purchased from Sony's Connect online music Store. They will also play MP3s and WMA files. For more information go to www.sony.co.uk.

Pre-orders are being taken for some models on the Sony Style store. Prices start at £69 rising to £159.

Author: Simon Aughton

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