So I pulled the trigger and bought a Sony X-Series Walkman

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. 

Sony X-Series disappearing from Sony Europe websites?

So it appears that the Sony 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?

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.

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". So waterproof but it has its limits.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

Sony X-Series being discontinued?

Rumour has it that the Sony 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 a player in the premium segment.