So I pulled the trigger and bought an X-Series…

I thought I could hold out from purchasing a new player from Sony until perhaps the summer when something new would arrive. But unfortunately I could not, and I spotted a great deal on an X-Series here in town and ordered one. I had the option of either the new A-Series or old 32GB X-Series. At 345 US with taxes it is substantially cheaper (160 US less) than what I would pay for it in Canada. 

Once I saw the price drop from more than 400 US to less then 350 US, I had to buy it. Versus the new A-Series, the X-Series came out cheaper per gig when comparing the 2. In the end I needed more space so a 32GB X is a better offer than a 16GB A-Series. I did do some quick testing at the store of both units and the X sounded much louder. Will have some photos up soon.

First impressions are very positive, the X’s sound is miles ahead of the A818 and the sound is more crisp, ie the sound feels like it is real. The screen is gorgeous and really responsive. I have to update it to 1.10 firmware later tonight.

Sony X-Series disappearing from Sony Europe websites?

So it appears that the X-Series is done, at least in Europe according to Sony websites. It is no longer displayed on Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Poland, Sony Sweden, still alive and well on the Sony Germany website but this is a special edition model.

Does this mean a new model is due to replace the X-Series? More after the break.

New A-Series available in the UK via Play.com (Updated)

Nothing on the Sony UK site, but Play.com has gone ahead and started selling the 16GB A-Series for the UK. At 149 pounds, it is not a bad deal but then still not that cheap.

Link to play.com

Update, well it looks like Sony UK has finally released the new A-Series on its website, 149 pounds for the 16GB model. Link to the Sony UK site

Sony UK

Discounted X-Series on Vobis.pl

What’s this? A large price drop in the X-Series? I’m slowly gearing up to purchase a new walkman, either the new A-Series or the older X-Series. Unfortunately both are expensive but I found a good price on the new A-Series a week back and might just pick it up. Surprisingly the A-Series in Poland is cheaper than it is in Germany which is a surprise. Problem is, will 16GB be enough capacity for me? My A818 is currently topped up to the max with songs, but then I do tend to use 320kbps MP3s so they do take up more space. Again have not decided anything yet but will post if I do buy a new Walkman.

About the X, it is 599zl and 999zl for the 16GB and 32GB respectively, which is about 155 euro and 260 euro. If you ask me this is rather cheap, since some websites are selling the 16GB X-Series for 199 euro. I have no idea how long this discount will be on for but if you live in Poland, be sure to check it out.

Link to Vobis.pl

HD FLAC coming to Walkman?

So what is this little treat from Sony Ericsson? One of their new Walkman models has the ability to play HD FLAC files straight out of the box. This is a nice surprise from Sony and perhaps shows Sony finally accepting other audio formats.

It remains to be seen if Sony will add FLAC support to their standard Walkman line, but anything is possible in the future.

Information courtesy of GSM arena

Revamped W-Series Walkman introduced

Sony has revealed an updated version of the W-Series, this time waterproof. Interesting note, Sony mentions that the W-Series is “Not meant to be immersed or come in continuous contact with water (IPx5 rated). Avoid contact with shampoo, conditioner, face wash and soap. Do not use with high pressure showers”, I wonder if someone will do a test to see how much water it can take. Press release after the break with some additional photos.

• Availalble in Late May 2010
• Stylish, wire-free WALKMAN® MP3 player for sport and active lifestyles
• Water-resistant design can be worn as you train, in the rain or even in the shower
• Superb WALKMAN® sound quality with 13.5mm EX Comfort fit earphones by Sony
• Easy to use with ZAPPIN™, playlists and folder skip to create your soundtrack effortlessly while you exercise
• Easy transfer of music content from a variety of sources
• 2GB and 4GB capacities
• 4 colours: black, white, pink, lime green

Full press release after the break.

New Walkman B-Series introduced

Sony has unveiled the new B-Series, a 5th generation walkman. A quick run down of the features:

• Bass boost button with flashing red illuminator LEDs
• Long battery life up to 18 hours
• Quick charge in just 3 minutes for 90 minutes playback time
• One-button ZAPPIN™ for quick, easy music searches
• Easy drag-and-drop music transfers
• Comes in 2GB and 4GB capacities
• FM Radio with 30 presets
• Voice recorder
• 4 colours: black, red, pink, blue

Basically nothing really new or spectacular from the low end B-Series, but then it was not meant to be a feature-rich device. Press release after the break.

New Sony Thermos…err I mean new Sony Car dock "SOUND MUG" for the Walkman

I won’t lie, when I first saw the RDP-NWV500 “SOUND MUG”, I initially thought it was an actual thermos or drink cup that had something to do with the Walkman. But of course it is no thermos or cup, but instead a speaker to which one can hook up their Walkman to. The “SOUND MUG” is expected to be available April 24th for 20,000 yen (214 US) and will come in 2 colours, orange and black. The speaker comes with a dock which permits its use at home and includes a USB port to connect the walkman. The mug is powered either by the car’s lighter or the included dock which has DC in and audio in on the back. The mug is meant to be an alternate to the car's stereo and is said to provide a much better sound since directs music 360 degrees rather than straight like standard speakers.

It remains to be seen if this mug sells, although a speaker disguised as a mug might not get stolen from a car if left behind. Images and hands on by AV Watch after the break.

Sony introduces the NAS-V7M and NAS-V5 speaker docks for the Walkman

If the new RDP-NW1 alarm dock does not appeal to your tastes, then perhaps the new NAS-V7M and NAS-V5 will be more to your liking. The new speaker dock features exquisite design with plenty of features. Both new models are slated to arrive on June 26th but in Japan only. The NAS-V7M comes with 16GB of built in memory and should retail for 50,000 yen (~530 US) and the NAS-V5 makes due without the memory and should retail for 40,000 yen (~430 US). The NAS-V7M comes in silver or gold, whereas the NAS-V5 comes in black or pink. Specifications, photos and a video after the break.

New Sony Walkman alarm clock dock introduced

Sometimes it seems like Sony decides to introduce a plethora of products for the Walkman on one day, looks like that day is today. Sony has decided to introduce another speaker dock, this time with clock and alarm functions. The new RDP-NW1 will be available starting April 24th at a suggested price of 13,000 yen (~140 US) and will come in black and white. The dock includes FM/AM tuner, a large display and a mini stereo input at the back. The top of the unit has a large snooze button with the rest of the controls such as volume, radio settings and alarm settings. A remote comes included as well. Images and hands on by AV Watch after the break.

Sony Japan introduces white A840

Sony Japan has released an additional colour to the A840 family, white. Release date is May 1st, with only 16GB and 32GB capacities sporting the new colour, suggested prices are 20,000 yen (~215US) and 25,000 yen (~260 US) respectively. Additional images after the break.

Sony releases the MDR-NWNC33 headphones with a shorter cable

Looks like Sony has decided to release the noise-cancelling headphones that comes with the S740 and A840 with a shorter cable. The cable is 60cm long with an additional extension cord of 50cm also being supplied. Price is expected to be around 5300 yen (~56 US). Photos after the break.

RockridgeSound introduces speaker dock for the Sony Walkman

A new speaker dock for the Walkman has been introduced by RockridgeSound. The dock comes in 3 different colours and works with all Walkman models that feature the WM-Port. The wood models come in black and white and cost 5800 yen (~60 US), while the premium models in either white or pink cost 12800 yen (~136 US).  Rest of the information after the break.

Sony X-Series being discontinued?

Rumour has it that the X-Series is being discontinued with no new stock being available any more. Could this mean a replacement for the X-Series is imminent? This may not be the case, since Sony may just be axing the X-Series and leaving the high-end mp3 segment all together. But this does not sound like a move from Sony, who is meant to be in the high-end segment. Facts after the break.